– Md. Sami Ahmad
Patna
Fifty-seven persons are reported to have died after consuming spurious liquor during the last three days in Bihar’s three districts namely Siwan, Saran and Gopalganj. Though the government sources confirmed only 33 deaths, the locals say that many of the deceased have been cremated without a post-mortem, hence their number is not included in official figures.
Around three dozen persons got sick and survived. They were being treated at different hospitals in Siwan and Saran. Seventeen persons were admitted at PMCH, Patna. Most of the patients complained of sight loss and some are reported to have developed kidney problems.
Local media reported that deaths started on Tuesday after many persons consumed the country-made liquor in Siwan’s Bhagwanpur Hat. On Wednesday, the death toll rose as high as twenty-seven. Different news organisations gave different figures of the deceased. On Thursday, the death toll swelled up to 57.
Initially, the officials claimed that the deaths were mysterious and it was caused by some disease but as the death toll rose they stated that the deaths were caused by hooch.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar held a high-level meeting after the deaths report. He is reported to have ordered an inquiry into this incident and strict action against those who were guilty. He has directed DGP to take stock of the situation and ensure against erring officials.
It is reported the spurious liquor contained methyl alcohol and industrial spirit. Total prohibition is in force in Bihar since April 2016. Though it is alleged that illegal liquor is being smuggled into Bihar from neighbouring states like UP, West Bengal and Jharkhand. After prohibition, it is claimed, the poor are provided spurious liquor which is cheap while the rich get the smuggled liquor delivered at their homes.
There is a huge political debate about the prohibition in Bihar. While the Bihar Chief Minister says that he has implemented prohibition with the consent of all political parties but there are many who oppose it. Recently, Prashant Kishor, founder of Jan Suraj Party, promised that if his party came to power, it would end prohibition. Nitish Kumar still enjoys the support of many sections, particularly women, for prohibition but hooch tragedies put a question mark on the administration as well.
