Bihar: 13 people die ‘mysteriously’, kin claim illicit liquor responsible

Mangalore Today News Network

Patna, Aug 17, 2016: Thirteen people died on Tuesday under mysterious circumstances at a village in Gopalganj district of Bihar.

The deaths were reported from Harkuwa block in Khajurbari village of the district. While seven died late Tuesday evening, six others, reported critical, died in the early hours of Wednesday.

According to the families, the deceased had consumed illicit liquor.

Locals said the victims developed stomach ache and began vomiting soon after consuming spurious liquor. They were rushed to local hospitals after they developed complications. Some were even taken to adjoining Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh.

However, the district administration has denied that the deaths took place due to consumption of spurious liquor and has ordered an inquiry.

“We have sent blood samples for forensic examination. We are also awaiting postmortem reports. Unless we get the reports, we cannot confirm the reason of deaths,” Gopalganj district magistrate Rahul Kumar said.

The DM said all cases were reported to the hospital from different areas of the district. The district administration claimed that while one death was reported after a person consumed sulfas tablets, another person was suffering from tetanus.

This is the third such instance in a fortnight in the state where total prohibition was imposed on the sale and consumption of liquor from April 5. The ban covers country liquour as well.

On August 13, three people died and eight fell ill after allegedly consuming hooch in West Champaran district. Those who survived complained of partial loss of vision.

After Bihar was declared a dry state, station house officers and excise officials face stringent punishment for deaths or disability caused due to spurious liquor. In case of death, those engaged in the business of spurious liquor may face death penalty or life term and up to Rs 10 lakh fine.