News Analysis India

Tag: spurious liquor

  • Suspected hooch claims two lives, two others fall ill in ‘dry’ Bihar

    Express News Service

    PATNA: In a suspected hooch, two persons died and two others fell ill after consuming spurious liquor in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district, police said on Sunday. The two victims who were undergoing treatment at SKMCH in Muzaffarpur have lost their eyesight.

    The incident took place in Pokharia Peer locality under Kazi Mohammadpur police station area in Muzaffarpur district late on Saturday night. Altogether four persons consumed alcohol at an ice factory owned by Shivchandra Paswan and reached home. All four complained of severe stomach pain, vomiting, headache, and loss of eyesight soon after reaching home. The family members told the police that the victims were admitted to a local private nursing home for treatment.

    While Umesh Shah (50) and Pappu Ram (32) died, Dharmendra Kumar (26) and Raju Shah (45) were undergoing treatment at SKMCH. Raju told the police that they had purchased country liquor from the ice factory of Shivchandra Paswan.

    Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Awadhesh Dixit said that two persons have been detained for interrogation. “We have recorded the statement of the family members of the victims. Further investigation is on,” he added. He said that the police received information about the death of two persons in a hooch tragedy in the Ambedkar Nagar locality of the town. A police team was sent to the spot to ascertain the cause of death. “Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims had consumed alcohol,” he said.

    Meanwhile, one of the seriously ill Raju Shah has been referred to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) for better treatment. Dharmendra used to work as a daily wager. The ice factory owner Shivchandra Paswan is absconding after the incident.

    Earlier this month, two persons had lost their lives in a similar hooch tragedy in Bettiah under West Champaran district. Bihar came under total prohibition on April 1, 2016. Under the new Prohibition law, the manufacture, sale, storage, and consumption of liquor is completely banned. Violation of the prohibition policy is a cognizable offense.

    PATNA: In a suspected hooch, two persons died and two others fell ill after consuming spurious liquor in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district, police said on Sunday. The two victims who were undergoing treatment at SKMCH in Muzaffarpur have lost their eyesight.

    The incident took place in Pokharia Peer locality under Kazi Mohammadpur police station area in Muzaffarpur district late on Saturday night. Altogether four persons consumed alcohol at an ice factory owned by Shivchandra Paswan and reached home. All four complained of severe stomach pain, vomiting, headache, and loss of eyesight soon after reaching home. The family members told the police that the victims were admitted to a local private nursing home for treatment.

    While Umesh Shah (50) and Pappu Ram (32) died, Dharmendra Kumar (26) and Raju Shah (45) were undergoing treatment at SKMCH. Raju told the police that they had purchased country liquor from the ice factory of Shivchandra Paswan.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Awadhesh Dixit said that two persons have been detained for interrogation. “We have recorded the statement of the family members of the victims. Further investigation is on,” he added. He said that the police received information about the death of two persons in a hooch tragedy in the Ambedkar Nagar locality of the town. A police team was sent to the spot to ascertain the cause of death. “Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims had consumed alcohol,” he said.

    Meanwhile, one of the seriously ill Raju Shah has been referred to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) for better treatment. Dharmendra used to work as a daily wager. The ice factory owner Shivchandra Paswan is absconding after the incident.

    Earlier this month, two persons had lost their lives in a similar hooch tragedy in Bettiah under West Champaran district. Bihar came under total prohibition on April 1, 2016. Under the new Prohibition law, the manufacture, sale, storage, and consumption of liquor is completely banned. Violation of the prohibition policy is a cognizable offense.

  • Will prohibition solve problem of addiction, wonders Chhattisgarh CM Baghel

    By PTI

    RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Sunday said he didn’t have the courage to ban alcohol in the state when he witnessed deaths due to consumption of spurious liquor and other harmful substances after outlets were shut during the coronavirus-induced lockdown.

    He stressed the need for running campaigns against not just liquor but all kinds of addiction.

    Baghel was speaking at the launch of ‘Nashamukt Chhattisgarh Abhiyaan’ (addiction-free Chhattisgarh campaign) at Prajapita Brahmakumari Ishwariya Vishwavidyalaya centre Shanti Sarovar in Raipur.

    He also hailed the spiritual and meditation centre’s ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’, calling it a commendable initiative towards building society and appealed to people to ensure their participation in making Chhattisgarh addiction-free.

    “Addiction usually starts from childhood or young age. Initially, they start from ‘sutta’ (smoking) as a hobby and it gradually becomes a habit. As stress increases they start smoking more cigarettes. If stress is more in the evening, drinking of liquor starts. Finally they land in the hospital. Addiction is not good in any form. It causes only harm. It is very harmful for all of us physically and mentally. It affects the person, the family and the society as a whole,” he said.

    Being the chief minister, Baghel said he can order prohibition in the entire state “right now” even as he wondered if it will solve the problem of addiction.

    The CM said he learnt about the problems that cropped up when liquor shops were closed during the country-wide lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19.

    “All the shops were closed, transportation was closed, families were staying behind the doors, but complaints of domestic violence started surfacing. Despite the lockdown in force for a long time, it was seen that people managed to arrange stuff for addiction,” he said.

    When people did not get anything, they even consumed sanitizer and many lost their lives due to it, said the Congress leader.

    “I did not have courage then to order a liquor ban after witnessing people dying due to consumption of spurious alcohol and other substances during the lockdown. I don’t want to implement anything that will cost lives,” he added.

    Organisations that deal with de-addiction can be helpful for persons dependent on various forms of intoxication, he said.

    “We have to end this social evil together with the support of people,” he said.

    When it comes to banning intoxicating substances, women immediately favour it as if only men consume them, he said.

    “Before the 2018 assembly elections, there was pressure from women to ban liquor. We had then announced to ban liquor (as a poll promise). Liquor ban means we have to move ahead towards an addiction-free society. Even during the ‘Bhent Mulaqat’ programme (CM’s public interaction drive), some people said that alcohol should be banned,” he said.

    The CM said they have constituted a committee headed by their party MLA Satyanarayan Sharma to study the issue and it has visited other states where prohibition is in force.

    “When women are asked about banning alcohol, they raise both hands in its favour. When I ask whether ‘gudaku’ (paste made of tobacco and molasses) should be banned or not, they don’t raise their hands as women use it more than men. The campaign should be against every kind of addiction, not only against liquor,” he said.

    Baghel said people should be addicted to serving humanity and devotion towards God.

    RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Sunday said he didn’t have the courage to ban alcohol in the state when he witnessed deaths due to consumption of spurious liquor and other harmful substances after outlets were shut during the coronavirus-induced lockdown.

    He stressed the need for running campaigns against not just liquor but all kinds of addiction.

    Baghel was speaking at the launch of ‘Nashamukt Chhattisgarh Abhiyaan’ (addiction-free Chhattisgarh campaign) at Prajapita Brahmakumari Ishwariya Vishwavidyalaya centre Shanti Sarovar in Raipur.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    He also hailed the spiritual and meditation centre’s ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’, calling it a commendable initiative towards building society and appealed to people to ensure their participation in making Chhattisgarh addiction-free.

    “Addiction usually starts from childhood or young age. Initially, they start from ‘sutta’ (smoking) as a hobby and it gradually becomes a habit. As stress increases they start smoking more cigarettes. If stress is more in the evening, drinking of liquor starts. Finally they land in the hospital. Addiction is not good in any form. It causes only harm. It is very harmful for all of us physically and mentally. It affects the person, the family and the society as a whole,” he said.

    Being the chief minister, Baghel said he can order prohibition in the entire state “right now” even as he wondered if it will solve the problem of addiction.

    The CM said he learnt about the problems that cropped up when liquor shops were closed during the country-wide lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19.

    “All the shops were closed, transportation was closed, families were staying behind the doors, but complaints of domestic violence started surfacing. Despite the lockdown in force for a long time, it was seen that people managed to arrange stuff for addiction,” he said.

    When people did not get anything, they even consumed sanitizer and many lost their lives due to it, said the Congress leader.

    “I did not have courage then to order a liquor ban after witnessing people dying due to consumption of spurious alcohol and other substances during the lockdown. I don’t want to implement anything that will cost lives,” he added.

    Organisations that deal with de-addiction can be helpful for persons dependent on various forms of intoxication, he said.

    “We have to end this social evil together with the support of people,” he said.

    When it comes to banning intoxicating substances, women immediately favour it as if only men consume them, he said.

    “Before the 2018 assembly elections, there was pressure from women to ban liquor. We had then announced to ban liquor (as a poll promise). Liquor ban means we have to move ahead towards an addiction-free society. Even during the ‘Bhent Mulaqat’ programme (CM’s public interaction drive), some people said that alcohol should be banned,” he said.

    The CM said they have constituted a committee headed by their party MLA Satyanarayan Sharma to study the issue and it has visited other states where prohibition is in force.

    “When women are asked about banning alcohol, they raise both hands in its favour. When I ask whether ‘gudaku’ (paste made of tobacco and molasses) should be banned or not, they don’t raise their hands as women use it more than men. The campaign should be against every kind of addiction, not only against liquor,” he said.

    Baghel said people should be addicted to serving humanity and devotion towards God.

  • Bihar hooch tragedy rocks both Houses; toll rises to 30; BJP stages Raj Bhavan march

    By PTI

    PATNA: The Saran hooch tragedy toll rose to 30 on Friday, the biggest since Bihar went dry more than six years ago, and it continued to cast a shadow on the state legislature where BJP members disrupted proceedings in both Houses before staging a Raj Bhavan march.

    Saran District Magistrate Rajesh Meena told PTI over phone that the number of people who have died since Tuesday night has climbed to 30.

    However unconfirmed reports claimed up to 50 people died by drinking illicitly brewed country liquor.

    The DM maintained that the deaths were “caused by suspected consumption of spurious liquor” which would be confirmed after the viscera of the deceased are examined at forensic labs.

    Proceedings of the legislative council were adjourned till 2 pm within a few minutes of commencement at noon as the MLCs raised an uproar over the Chair’s reluctance to take up for discussion an adjournment motion brought by them.

    Shortly afterwards, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar made an angry statement on the floor of the assembly, where similar uproarious incidents had forced adjournment till noon within a few minutes of commencement of proceedings at 11 am.

    “Those who drink and lose their lives as a result deserve no sympathy (koi sahanubhuti nahin) and no compensation”, fumed the septuagenarian, unfazed by the flak he has drawn over his “jo piyega vo marega” quip on the previous day.

    Kumar had risen in his chair taking exception to a submission by CPI MLA Satyendra Yadav that the government consider giving monetary compensation to the bereaved family members.

    “Please do not take such a stand. I have always looked upon the Left parties as my allies”, said a visibly pained Kumar, adding “if you people feel that prohibition is wrong then say it so upfront.

    ALSO READ | Crores of people drink in country, should they die: Sushil Modi asks Nitish Kumar

    The law was brought in with the consent of all. If all today think we were in the wrong, we may withdraw it. But do remember the deaths have taken place because of a filthy habit (ganda baat)”, said the chief minister before uttering “jo piyega vo marega” for yet another time.

    The CM’s statement came ahead of the lunch recess, shortly after a walkout by the BJP MLAs.

    The proceedings saw several heated exchanges between Leader of the Opposition Vijay Kumar Sinha and Speaker Awadh Bihari Chaudhary.

    Sinha, who had visited the affected Mashrak block in Saran the previous night, claimed inside the House that the hooch tragedy has “claimed more than 100 lives”. Many media outlets have come out with unconfirmed reports of the number of casualties being around 50.

    Sinha told reporters outside the assembly “I am ashamed of the conduct of the Speaker who is acting as per the diktats of the government. I had preceded him in the Chair. Never did I work in such a partisan manner”.

    “What has happened in Saran is tantamount to state-sponsored mass murder. The SIT formed by the administration is an eyewash. We are going to meet Governor Phagu Chauhan and submit a memorandum. Our demands include a CBI inquiry into the matter. If that is not possible, there should be a judicial probe”, added Sinha.

    He also said, “we would request the governor to recommend dismissal of the government and put under President’s rule the state where the lives of the people are in danger because of the insensitivity of the ruling dispensation”.

    Sinha also seemed to have taken to heart an admonitory note by the Speaker that as a Leader of the Opposition he should abide by “parliamentary norms”.

    READ HERE | Bihar hooch deaths: Now, spurious liqour kills five in Siwan, one in Begusarai

    Waving a copy of the rule book before journalists, he said “we raised the matter strictly in accordance with norms. The Speaker has the temerity to give sermons to us. He should show the courage to take action against the man who had trampled upon the Chair with boots on and is currently holding the post of the Deputy Chief Minister”.

    The allusion was to an incident in March when the RJD, which was then in the Opposition, had created a ruckus over a bill and held Sinha, the then Speaker, hostage for several hours inside his chamber.

    It has been alleged that Tejashwi Yadav, who was then the Leader of the Opposition, had clambered on the Speaker’s Chair in the midst of a din inside the House.

    A committee of the House is said to have submitted its report ahead of the political upheaval in August which saw the BJP thrown out of power and the RJD joining hands with the Chief Minister’s JD(U).

    The BJP has been alleging that the new regime has shelved the report because it was politically inconvenient.

    PATNA: The Saran hooch tragedy toll rose to 30 on Friday, the biggest since Bihar went dry more than six years ago, and it continued to cast a shadow on the state legislature where BJP members disrupted proceedings in both Houses before staging a Raj Bhavan march.

    Saran District Magistrate Rajesh Meena told PTI over phone that the number of people who have died since Tuesday night has climbed to 30.

    However unconfirmed reports claimed up to 50 people died by drinking illicitly brewed country liquor.

    The DM maintained that the deaths were “caused by suspected consumption of spurious liquor” which would be confirmed after the viscera of the deceased are examined at forensic labs.

    Proceedings of the legislative council were adjourned till 2 pm within a few minutes of commencement at noon as the MLCs raised an uproar over the Chair’s reluctance to take up for discussion an adjournment motion brought by them.

    Shortly afterwards, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar made an angry statement on the floor of the assembly, where similar uproarious incidents had forced adjournment till noon within a few minutes of commencement of proceedings at 11 am.

    “Those who drink and lose their lives as a result deserve no sympathy (koi sahanubhuti nahin) and no compensation”, fumed the septuagenarian, unfazed by the flak he has drawn over his “jo piyega vo marega” quip on the previous day.

    Kumar had risen in his chair taking exception to a submission by CPI MLA Satyendra Yadav that the government consider giving monetary compensation to the bereaved family members.

    “Please do not take such a stand. I have always looked upon the Left parties as my allies”, said a visibly pained Kumar, adding “if you people feel that prohibition is wrong then say it so upfront.

    ALSO READ | Crores of people drink in country, should they die: Sushil Modi asks Nitish Kumar

    The law was brought in with the consent of all. If all today think we were in the wrong, we may withdraw it. But do remember the deaths have taken place because of a filthy habit (ganda baat)”, said the chief minister before uttering “jo piyega vo marega” for yet another time.

    The CM’s statement came ahead of the lunch recess, shortly after a walkout by the BJP MLAs.

    The proceedings saw several heated exchanges between Leader of the Opposition Vijay Kumar Sinha and Speaker Awadh Bihari Chaudhary.

    Sinha, who had visited the affected Mashrak block in Saran the previous night, claimed inside the House that the hooch tragedy has “claimed more than 100 lives”. Many media outlets have come out with unconfirmed reports of the number of casualties being around 50.

    Sinha told reporters outside the assembly “I am ashamed of the conduct of the Speaker who is acting as per the diktats of the government. I had preceded him in the Chair. Never did I work in such a partisan manner”.

    “What has happened in Saran is tantamount to state-sponsored mass murder. The SIT formed by the administration is an eyewash. We are going to meet Governor Phagu Chauhan and submit a memorandum. Our demands include a CBI inquiry into the matter. If that is not possible, there should be a judicial probe”, added Sinha.

    He also said, “we would request the governor to recommend dismissal of the government and put under President’s rule the state where the lives of the people are in danger because of the insensitivity of the ruling dispensation”.

    Sinha also seemed to have taken to heart an admonitory note by the Speaker that as a Leader of the Opposition he should abide by “parliamentary norms”.

    READ HERE | Bihar hooch deaths: Now, spurious liqour kills five in Siwan, one in Begusarai

    Waving a copy of the rule book before journalists, he said “we raised the matter strictly in accordance with norms. The Speaker has the temerity to give sermons to us. He should show the courage to take action against the man who had trampled upon the Chair with boots on and is currently holding the post of the Deputy Chief Minister”.

    The allusion was to an incident in March when the RJD, which was then in the Opposition, had created a ruckus over a bill and held Sinha, the then Speaker, hostage for several hours inside his chamber.

    It has been alleged that Tejashwi Yadav, who was then the Leader of the Opposition, had clambered on the Speaker’s Chair in the midst of a din inside the House.

    A committee of the House is said to have submitted its report ahead of the political upheaval in August which saw the BJP thrown out of power and the RJD joining hands with the Chief Minister’s JD(U).

    The BJP has been alleging that the new regime has shelved the report because it was politically inconvenient.

  • Bihar hooch deaths: Now, spurious liqour kills five in Siwan, one in Begusarai

    By ANI

    SIWAN (Bihar): Days after the hooch tragedy in Bihar’s Chhapra (Saran district) claimed over 50 lives, at least 5 people died after allegedly consuming spurious liquor in the adjoining Siwan district in the state.

    All five deceased are residents of Brahsthan and Sondhani villages of Bhagwanpur Police Station area.

    Angry family members of the deceased obstructed the Siwan-Chapra Malmalia main road and undertook a protest.

    The distance between Siwan and Chhapra is around 10 kilometres.

    The deceased have been identified as Mahesh Rai (40), Sambhu Yadav (36), Amir Manjhi (45), and Awadh Manjhi (36) of Brahmasthan Village while Ramendra Pandit hailed from Sondhani village.

    According to locals, the death toll is expected to go up and the condition of some people is stated to be serious.

    Meanwhile, in the Begusarai district, the administration swung into action after one person reportedly died allegedly after consuming liquor. Two persons identified as Deepak Kumar and Shivam Kumar – who consumed alcohol with the deceased, are being interrogated by police. A third person Sandeep, who drank with them has been referred to Patna hospital in a critical condition.

    The death toll in the Chhapra Hooch tragedy went up to 53 on Friday after 11 more people succumbed.

    ALSO READ | Crores of people drink in country, should they die: Sushil Modi asks Nitish Kumar

    The deaths have created an uproar both at the state and national levels as the sale and consumption of alcohol have been banned in Bihar by the Nitish Kumar government since April 2016.

    Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday during Assembly proceedings reiterated his “piyoge to maroge” remark which means those who will drink spurious liquor would die. Addressing the state assembly, the chief minister stated that no compensation will be given to people who died after drinking and repeated that “if you drink alcohol, you will die”.

    The Chhapra hooch tragedy was one of the issues raised in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, leading to the adjournment of the House thrice within a short span of 40 minutes as both the Treasury benches and the opposition raised their issues together with the commencement of the Zero Hour.

    SIWAN (Bihar): Days after the hooch tragedy in Bihar’s Chhapra (Saran district) claimed over 50 lives, at least 5 people died after allegedly consuming spurious liquor in the adjoining Siwan district in the state.

    All five deceased are residents of Brahsthan and Sondhani villages of Bhagwanpur Police Station area.

    Angry family members of the deceased obstructed the Siwan-Chapra Malmalia main road and undertook a protest.

    The distance between Siwan and Chhapra is around 10 kilometres.

    The deceased have been identified as Mahesh Rai (40), Sambhu Yadav (36), Amir Manjhi (45), and Awadh Manjhi (36) of Brahmasthan Village while Ramendra Pandit hailed from Sondhani village.

    According to locals, the death toll is expected to go up and the condition of some people is stated to be serious.

    Meanwhile, in the Begusarai district, the administration swung into action after one person reportedly died allegedly after consuming liquor. Two persons identified as Deepak Kumar and Shivam Kumar – who consumed alcohol with the deceased, are being interrogated by police. A third person Sandeep, who drank with them has been referred to Patna hospital in a critical condition.

    The death toll in the Chhapra Hooch tragedy went up to 53 on Friday after 11 more people succumbed.

    ALSO READ | Crores of people drink in country, should they die: Sushil Modi asks Nitish Kumar

    The deaths have created an uproar both at the state and national levels as the sale and consumption of alcohol have been banned in Bihar by the Nitish Kumar government since April 2016.

    Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday during Assembly proceedings reiterated his “piyoge to maroge” remark which means those who will drink spurious liquor would die. Addressing the state assembly, the chief minister stated that no compensation will be given to people who died after drinking and repeated that “if you drink alcohol, you will die”.

    The Chhapra hooch tragedy was one of the issues raised in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, leading to the adjournment of the House thrice within a short span of 40 minutes as both the Treasury benches and the opposition raised their issues together with the commencement of the Zero Hour.

  • If someone consumes liquor, they will die, says Bihar CM Nitish Kumar on Hooch tragedy

    By ANI

    OATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday told media persons waiting for his reaction on the 39 deaths so far in the Chhapra hooch tragedy that if “someone consumes spurious liquor, they will die” as he came under heavy pressure on his alleged failed excise policy.

    Defending the liquor ban in Bihar, he said that the state’s prohibition policy has benefitted several people and a large number of people have given up drinking alcohol due to his measures.

    “The liquor ban has benefitted several people. A large number of people have given up alcohol…This is good. Several people have happily accepted this. But there are some troublemakers. I have told officers to identify the actual troublemakers and nab them,” Kumar told the media in Patna.

    “I have told officers that they shouldn’t capture the poor. People manufacturing liquor & carrying on liquor trade should be caught,” Kumar said.

    The chief minister also said: “I am ready to give Rs 1 lakh each to people to start their own work. We’ll raise the amount if needed, but nobody should get involved in the liquor business.”

    “Last time, when people died due to spurious liquor, someone said they should be compensated. If someone consumes spurious liquor, they’ll die – an example is before us. This should be condoled, those places should be visited and people should be explained about the fallout of their action,” Nitish Kumar said.

    After the first death late Tuesday in a Chhapra hospital, the toll has reached 39 on Thursday.

    In its wake, Masrakh Station House Officer (SHO) Ritesh Mishra and Constable Vikesh Tiwari were suspended on the recommendation of Marhaura Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Yogendra Kumar.

    Bihar Excise Minister Sunil Kumar on Wednesday vowed strict action against culprits responsible for deaths.

    “Process of filling an FIR is underway. I have spoken over the phone with SP,” Sunil Kumar said.

    The sale and consumption of alcohol were banned in Bihar by the Nitish Kumar government in April 2016.

    Hours after the first few deaths were reported from Chhapra, the opposition on Wednesday attacked the Bihar Chief Minister in the state assembly leading to Nitish Kumar losing his cool and screaming back at the BJP leaders.

    The Janata Dal-United chief slammed the BJP for protesting the deaths as Leader of Opposition Vijay Kumar Sinha questioned the state’s liquor ban policy since 2016.

    Nitish Kumar lost his temper in the House and screamed at the BJP MLAs ”Sharabi ho gaye ho tum…(you are drunk)”

    Protesting against the incident, Bihar opposition lawmakers also staged a demonstration outside the state assembly later. 

    OATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday told media persons waiting for his reaction on the 39 deaths so far in the Chhapra hooch tragedy that if “someone consumes spurious liquor, they will die” as he came under heavy pressure on his alleged failed excise policy.

    Defending the liquor ban in Bihar, he said that the state’s prohibition policy has benefitted several people and a large number of people have given up drinking alcohol due to his measures.

    “The liquor ban has benefitted several people. A large number of people have given up alcohol…This is good. Several people have happily accepted this. But there are some troublemakers. I have told officers to identify the actual troublemakers and nab them,” Kumar told the media in Patna.

    “I have told officers that they shouldn’t capture the poor. People manufacturing liquor & carrying on liquor trade should be caught,” Kumar said.

    The chief minister also said: “I am ready to give Rs 1 lakh each to people to start their own work. We’ll raise the amount if needed, but nobody should get involved in the liquor business.”

    “Last time, when people died due to spurious liquor, someone said they should be compensated. If someone consumes spurious liquor, they’ll die – an example is before us. This should be condoled, those places should be visited and people should be explained about the fallout of their action,” Nitish Kumar said.

    After the first death late Tuesday in a Chhapra hospital, the toll has reached 39 on Thursday.

    In its wake, Masrakh Station House Officer (SHO) Ritesh Mishra and Constable Vikesh Tiwari were suspended on the recommendation of Marhaura Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Yogendra Kumar.

    Bihar Excise Minister Sunil Kumar on Wednesday vowed strict action against culprits responsible for deaths.

    “Process of filling an FIR is underway. I have spoken over the phone with SP,” Sunil Kumar said.

    The sale and consumption of alcohol were banned in Bihar by the Nitish Kumar government in April 2016.

    Hours after the first few deaths were reported from Chhapra, the opposition on Wednesday attacked the Bihar Chief Minister in the state assembly leading to Nitish Kumar losing his cool and screaming back at the BJP leaders.

    The Janata Dal-United chief slammed the BJP for protesting the deaths as Leader of Opposition Vijay Kumar Sinha questioned the state’s liquor ban policy since 2016.

    Nitish Kumar lost his temper in the House and screamed at the BJP MLAs ”Sharabi ho gaye ho tum…(you are drunk)”

    Protesting against the incident, Bihar opposition lawmakers also staged a demonstration outside the state assembly later. 

  • Two persons dead in Gujarat after consuming illicit liquor

    By IANS

    JUNAGADH: Two persons have died and one is in critical condition undergoing treatment at a government hospital after allegedly consuming spurious liquor in Gujarat’s Junagadh district, claimed the brother of one of the deceased victims.

    Congress MLA from Junagadh, Bhikhabhai Joshi said the people of Ghachipat society informed him that many people had gathered at the civil hospital as three persons were rushed to the hospital after falling ill on Monday evening.

    Joshi told IANS that locals have informed that all three persons complained of uneasiness and started vomiting and therefore were taken to the hospital.

    Two persons have died and the third person is in critical condition, he said.

    He added that doctors say it is too early to give a reason for the death but it will be confirmed only after the post-mortem report is available.

    One deceased has been identified as Rafiq Ghoghari, the deceased’s brother (name not available) told the local media that he had received a call in the evening informing that his brother had fallen unconscious in Gandhi Chowk after consuming some chemical (illicit liquor), so he took him to the government hospital.

    However, the doctor declared Rafiq dead but later found that one more body was lying there. He alleges that the deaths could be a hooch tragedy.

    Police are deployed at the government hospital and people are not allowed to enter as locals fear that more persons might have fallen victim to illicit liquor and could be brought later in the evening.

    JUNAGADH: Two persons have died and one is in critical condition undergoing treatment at a government hospital after allegedly consuming spurious liquor in Gujarat’s Junagadh district, claimed the brother of one of the deceased victims.

    Congress MLA from Junagadh, Bhikhabhai Joshi said the people of Ghachipat society informed him that many people had gathered at the civil hospital as three persons were rushed to the hospital after falling ill on Monday evening.

    Joshi told IANS that locals have informed that all three persons complained of uneasiness and started vomiting and therefore were taken to the hospital.

    Two persons have died and the third person is in critical condition, he said.

    He added that doctors say it is too early to give a reason for the death but it will be confirmed only after the post-mortem report is available.

    One deceased has been identified as Rafiq Ghoghari, the deceased’s brother (name not available) told the local media that he had received a call in the evening informing that his brother had fallen unconscious in Gandhi Chowk after consuming some chemical (illicit liquor), so he took him to the government hospital.

    However, the doctor declared Rafiq dead but later found that one more body was lying there. He alleges that the deaths could be a hooch tragedy.

    Police are deployed at the government hospital and people are not allowed to enter as locals fear that more persons might have fallen victim to illicit liquor and could be brought later in the evening.

  • At least seven dead after consuming spurious liquor in Uttarakhand

    Express News Service

    DEHRADUN: Seven people have died after consuming spurious liquor in Phulgarh and Shivgarh villages under Pathri police station area of Haridwar.

    It is suspected that ahead of the panchayat polls, some candidates distributed liquor to woo voters in Haridwar district. Senior police officials have reached the spot. But the administration has confirmed four deaths so far, while the death toll could rise as some other serious victims are still hospitalised, struggling for life.

    Sources revealed that in Shivgarh, four people died and two deaths have been reported from Phulgarh. One more died in an adjoining village. According to the information received, Raju,  Amarpal and Bhola, residents of Haridwar Phulgarh village, died after consuming spurious liquor.  Meanwhile, later Manoj of the same village also died after consuming liquor under the same circumstances. Amarpal died at Jollygrant Hospital.

    In Laksar’s Phulgarh village, four people were rushed to a hospital after consuming raw liquor distributed by the candidates, where they died.

    Many villagers, who did not wish to be named, expressed concern that “The illegal trade of raw liquor in Haridwar is continuously increasing. Panchayat election activities are fast here these days. In such a situation, raw liquor is being served in every village to woo voters and today’s tragedy is the result of that, in which 7 people lost their lives. 

    Police have arrested two persons in connection with the case. Briefing about the incident, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said,  “An inquiry has been ordered in the whole matter and strict action will be taken against the culprits.

    Excise inspector of the region along with the whole staff have been suspended”. At the same time, Station officer of Pathri police station has also been suspended in the case.

    In this regard clinical psychologist and de-addiction expert,  Dr Mukul Sharma told TNIE, “If addicts do not get drugs in time, then there have often been cases of death because destruction has become the need of their body, so it takes a long time to quit and get rid of addiction”.

    DEHRADUN: Seven people have died after consuming spurious liquor in Phulgarh and Shivgarh villages under Pathri police station area of Haridwar.

    It is suspected that ahead of the panchayat polls, some candidates distributed liquor to woo voters in Haridwar district. Senior police officials have reached the spot. But the administration has confirmed four deaths so far, while the death toll could rise as some other serious victims are still hospitalised, struggling for life.

    Sources revealed that in Shivgarh, four people died and two deaths have been reported from Phulgarh. One more died in an adjoining village. According to the information received, Raju,  Amarpal and Bhola, residents of Haridwar Phulgarh village, died after consuming spurious liquor.  Meanwhile, later Manoj of the same village also died after consuming liquor under the same circumstances. Amarpal died at Jollygrant Hospital.

    In Laksar’s Phulgarh village, four people were rushed to a hospital after consuming raw liquor distributed by the candidates, where they died.

    Many villagers, who did not wish to be named, expressed concern that “The illegal trade of raw liquor in Haridwar is continuously increasing. Panchayat election activities are fast here these days. In such a situation, raw liquor is being served in every village to woo voters and today’s tragedy is the result of that, in which 7 people lost their lives. 

    Police have arrested two persons in connection with the case. Briefing about the incident, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said,  “An inquiry has been ordered in the whole matter and strict action will be taken against the culprits.

    Excise inspector of the region along with the whole staff have been suspended”. At the same time, Station officer of Pathri police station has also been suspended in the case.

    In this regard clinical psychologist and de-addiction expert,  Dr Mukul Sharma told TNIE, “If addicts do not get drugs in time, then there have often been cases of death because destruction has become the need of their body, so it takes a long time to quit and get rid of addiction”.

  • Nine dead after consuming spurious liquor in Raebareli

    Express News Service

    LUCKNOW: Nine persons lost their lives and 29 others have falled ill after consuming spurious liquor in Pure Chatta Singh village under Paharpur Majra in Maharajganj police station area of Rae Bareli district, 80 km from the state capital.

    The tragedy occurred on Tuesday night when four persons had died after consuming spurious liquor at a function. However, the toll went up to nine on Wednesday.

    According to Rae Bareli District Magistrate Vaibhav Srivastava, the body of the deceased was sent for an autopsy and a probe was ordered into the incident. An FIR has also been lodged against the licensed shop which had supplied the liquor to the villagers.

    As per the police sources, those who lost life were identified as Chandra Gopal, 45, Raj Babu, 30, Qasim, 35, Saroj, 40, Pankaj, 38, Ram Sumer, 46, Sukhrani, 60, Bansi Lal, 50 and Kallu, 53. Two of the deceased Raj Babu and Qasim had come to the village from Chhatarpur, MP and Hamirpur respectively. The rest of the victims belonged to Raebareli.

    According to district police officials, around 40 persons had consumed the liquor in the function. Seven persons including an elderly woman had died in the wee hours while two others lost life at the local Community Health Centre.

    According to Raebarli police chief Shlok Kumar, the FIR was lodged against Dhirendra Pal Singh, the local liquor shop owner and his executive under charges of murder, food adulteration, mixing and selling noxious substances with intoxicants. The shop owner along with his salesman is absconding and police teams are out to nab them, said the SP.

    Meanwhile taking cognisance of the issue, UP DGP Mukul Goel directed IG Lucknow range Lakshmi Singh to visit the spot and conduct a thorough probe into the incident. On the other, Additional Chief Secretary, Excise, Sanjay Bhoosreddy said that action would be taken against district excise officers including Rajeshwar Maurya who would be charge-sheeted while Excise Inspector Ajay Kumar and constable Dhirendra Srivastava were suspended in connection with the incident.

  • Five dead, 22 others hospitalised as hooch tragedy hits UP’s Aligarh again

    By PTI
    ALIGARH: Five people died and at least 22 were taken ill after allegedly consuming spurious liquor in a village in Aligarh district, police said on Thursday.

    This is the second liquor tragedy in this district in recent days.

    In the earlier case, at least 35 people died after consuming illicit liquor while a post-mortem was also conducted on 52 others and officials fear that some of them may have died due to the same cause.

    On Wednesday night, some brick kiln labourers consumed country made liquor dumped in a canal near Rohera village in Jawan area, police said.

    “It appears that some persons involved in the spurious liquor trade dumped their entire stock in the canal fearing a raid,” Senior Superintendent of Police, Kalanidhi Naithani told reporters.

    According to locals, after discovering the liquor, the labourers started celebrating but shortly afterwards they all started feeling unwell.

    An alarm was raised and a police party from nearby Jawan police station rushed to the spot and took the victims to a hospital.

    Chief Superintendent of Jawahar Lal Nehru Medical College hospital, Dr Harris Manzur said five people have died so far, three of whom were brought dead.

    “Doctors are battling to save the lives of the remaining 22 victims,” he said, adding that throughout the night critically ill patients arrived at the hospital.

    Till Thursday morning, 27 people had arrived and if some of these patients would have been hospitalised “earlier”, we could have saved some more lives, Manzur said.

    He said that the first six hours are crucial in such cases.

    Meanwhile, the police said that the matter is being investigated and a case has been filed against unnamed persons.

  • Punjab to introduce death penalty for fatality due to spurious liquor

    By PTI
    CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government on Monday decided to amend its excise act, introducing the death penalty in cases where people die after consuming spurious liquor.

    The decision was taken by the Punjab Cabinet on Monday in the wake of a hooch tragedy in the districts of Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Tarn Taran, where several lives were lost due to the consumption of spurious liquor in July last year.

    The Bill in this regard will be introduced in the ongoing Budget Session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, according to a government release, which said the aim is to instil fear of law among the offenders and impose stiff punishment.

    A new Section 61-A has been inserted in Punjab Excise Act, 1914, according to which in case of death, the guilty shall be punished with death or imprisonment for life and shall also be liable to fine which may extend up to Rs 20 lakh.

    In case of disability or grievous hurt, the guilty will be punished with imprisonment for at least six years extendable up to life imprisonment and with fine which may extend to Rs 10 lakh.

    Likewise, any other consequential injury is caused to a person, the guilty shall be punished with the imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year and fine which may extend to Rs 5 lakh, and in case of no injury caused to a person, the guilty shall be punished with imprisonment, which may extend to six months and fine up to Rs 2.50 lakh.

    The Cabinet also made a provision to provide compensation to the kin of the victim by the manufacturer and seller of spurious liquor.

    According to the Section 61-A (2) (i), the court may order if it satisfied that death or injury has been caused to any person due to consumption of liquor sold in any place, order the manufacturer and seller, whether or not he is convicted of an offence, to pay by way of compensation, an amount not less than Rs 5 lakh to the legal representatives of each deceased or Rs 3 lakh to the person to whom grievous hurt has been caused, or Rs 50,000 to the person for any other consequential injury.

    Provided that where the liquor is sold in a licensed shop, the liability to pay the compensation under this section shall be on the licensee and further that no appeal can be filed by the accused unless the amount ordered to be paid under this section is deposited by him in the court.

    The Section 63 has also been amended to enhance the term of imprisonment in the existing provisions of the Act from one year to three years and amount of fine up to Rs 1,000 to 10,000 for the offence of alteration or attempt to alteration of denatured spirit.

    Likewise, the cabinet also gave approval to amend Section 61 (1) to enhance the term of imprisonment from three years to five years under the chapter ‘Offences and Penalties’ of the Act for unlawful import, export, transport, manufacture and possession etc.of any intoxicant.