Bihar: 1 dead, 2 critical in yet another tragedy in Siwan

For the second time in a month, a liquor tragedy has claimed the life of one person, while two others in Siwan are fighting for their lives after consuming spurious liquor, officials said Friday.

According to preliminary information, the incident took place near Lakdi-Nabiganj police station.

“Police received information about a suspected death of a hooch and reached the spot in the morning. Two others have been hospitalized and are being treated. The matter is under further investigation,” said an official familiar with the matter.

Confirming the incident, Jitendra Singh Gangwar, Additional Incharge of the ADG (Headquarters), said, “A special team from the Prohibition Department rushed to the spot to determine the reason behind the incident. The entire matter will be thoroughly investigated.”

The deceased was identified as Amarjit Yadav, while his friend Umesh Rai was referred to Patna Medical College and Hospital in critical condition, while Ashok Rai was undergoing treatment at a local hospital in Siwan. Umesh admitted that he had bought a bag of alcohol for it ₹50.

Police said about five friends drank local alcohol in Siwan on Thursday evening and hours later they began vomiting and complained of headaches, discomfort and vision loss. Afterwards, four persons were rushed to the primary health center where doctors referred them to Sadar Hospital, where one of them escaped.

In October, more than 39 people died in Saran, Siwan and Gopalganj districts in separate hooch tragedies. The sale and consumption of alcohol was banned in Bihar in April 2016 by the Nitish Kumar government. The Bihar government recently admitted that more than 250 people have died in the state due to consumption of illicit liquor since April 2016.