Spurious liquor claims lives in Saran district, Bihar; death toll rises to 34

Patna: The death toll in hooch tragedy in Saran district of Bihar has risen to 34. Maximum 23 deaths have been reported in Masrakh block, while remaining 11 casualties were reported from Isuapur, Amnaur, and Marhaura areas of the district. The casualties are likely to go up further as 22 people are undergoing treatment at various hospitals. Seven of them are in serious condition. Some people have also lost their eyesight. Family members of the deceased said, more than 50 persons had consumed spurious liquor. 

The Saran District Magistrate Rajesh Meena told that raids are being conducted to



nab the culprits engaged in spurious liquor trade. Mr Meena said, 30 people had been taken into police custody for interrogation.

The incident triggered a political slugfest in Bihar Assembly yesterday, with Opposition leaders mounting a strong attack on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Later, an irate Nitish Kumar lost his cool in the Assembly and snapped at Opposition MLAs who targeted state government over prohibition of alcohol in the State. The sale and consumption of alcohol were banned in Bihar by the Nitish government in 2016.