Bihar hooch tragedy claims 17 lives, CM orders inquiry

Patna: Nitish Kumar, Chief minister, ordered a detailed inquiry as the death toll in Bihar liquor tragedy in Gopalganj district has risen to 17 with four more deaths reported on Friday.

There are conflicting reports about the cause of death. While officials claim that these were caused not due to consumption of liquor which has been banned in the state, members of victim families contest their report.

Official version is not entirely true. The post- mortem report which is available now has found sign of alcohol at least in few bodies.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar too has admitted "consumption of spurious liquor could be one of the reasons." In view of the conflicting reports he has ordered a detailed inquiry into the case. Pending inquiry he has suspended 25 police officials.

What else did CM said?

• Viscera and blood samples have been also sent to forensic lab
• The reason behind the deaths can only be confirmed after the Viscera reports.
• Nitish Kumar also appealed to the family members of the deceased to come forward with their statements assuring that no action will be taken against them.
• If the reason behind the death is proved to be the consumption of spurious liquor then the state government, as per the new excise law, will give compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the each of the victim family.
• The deaths were reported from five different locations which come under Majha, Yadavpur, Sidhwalia, Thawe and Kotwali police stations.

Also Read: Bihar hooch tragedy: toll rises, CM vows action against culprits