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

Patna: After the death toll in the Bihar hooch tragedy rose to 16, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said he would not spare the culprits and get them punished under the new excise law providing for life imprisonment and death sentence.

“Two more persons died on Thursday at the Patna Medical College and Hospital during treatment and one died in the late hours on Wednesday. Moreover, three are still in a critical condition,” said a senior district official.

“The culprits will not be spared at any cost. I have directed the police as well as other concerned departments to examine all the reports including medical and viscera and talk to the kins of victims to reach a conclusion,” said the CM.

It may be mentioned that the tragedy took place in Bihar’s Gopalganj district.

Liquor consumption is banned in Bihar:

It may be recalled that the consumption and sale of all types of liquor has been banned in the state since April 1 last. Under the new legislation, there are several provisions which can send one to jail. In one of the provisions, all adult members of a family can be sent behind the bars even if an empty liquor bottle is found in their house.

As many as 11,000 people have been arrested for alcohol storage, manufacturing and consumption after the implementation of the law.

Also Read: Prohibition Effect: Spurious liquor kills ten people in Bihar