Ranchi (Jharkhand) [India], October 17 : Following the hooch tragedy in Bihar, Congress MP and Jharkhand election observer Tariq Anwar on Thursday said that the liquor ban policy brought by Nitish Kumar's government is a complete failure.
"The liquor ban policy brought by Nitish Kumar's government has completely failed. On one hand, many gangs have emerged. The (Bihar) liquor ban has not been implemented completely. Even today, home delivery is happening there. Those who are poor and cannot afford good liquor are being forced to drink poisonous liquor," Tariq Anwar told reporters in Ranchi.
The death toll from the consumption of spurious liquor in two separate incidents in Siwan and Saran has risen to 25.
Additionally, Bihar DGP Alok Raj confirmed that 12 people have been arrested in connection with the hooch tragedy.
Saran Superintendent of Police Kumar Ashish said the substance found in the liquor was the industrial spirit, and investigations into its supply chain are ongoing.
Speaking to ANI, Ashish stated, "The substance is being reported as industrial spirit, and we are investigating the supply chain. Local police officers have been suspended, and the SHO and other personnel have been questioned. If their responses are unsatisfactory, further action will be taken. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also been formed. In the last 24 hours, we conducted 250 raids, recovering 1,650 litres of alcohol in the district."
Saran District Magistrate Aman Samir said the families of the deceased must pledge their support for the state-imposed liquor ban to qualify for compensation.
Speaking to ANI, Samir stated, "The families of the deceased must pledge their support for the liquor ban and express opposition to alcohol. If the post-mortem reports meet the necessary conditions, an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh will be provided to the families."
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar held a high-level review and instructed the Secretary of the Prohibition, Excise, and Registration Department to visit the area, gather information, and conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the tragedy, according to a statement from the CMO.