The hooch tragedy in parts of East Champaran, Bihar, has taken a severe toll, with the death count reaching six. In Turkaulia and Raghunathpur, fear and sorrow have become part of daily life as the situation worsens. Six individuals lost their lives after consuming spurious liquor on April 1, with more than 15 people currently hospitalized, some facing permanent blindness.
Disturbing details have emerged as the investigation progresses, shedding light on enforcement and administrative lapses. The Station House Officer of Turkaulia police station has been suspended, and a village watchman arrested for alleged involvement with liquor smugglers. Authorities seized around 700 liters of toxic spirit during raids, the same substance responsible for the fatalities.
The police have intensified their crackdown, known as “Operation Clean,” to dismantle the illicit network. Despite arrests and seizures, questions linger about how such illegal activities thrived under prohibition. Motihari mourns the tragic loss, seeking accountability amidst grief and anger prevailing in the affected villages.
