Patna: The death toll in Bihar’s East Champaran district rose to 27 on Tuesday as people lost life after consuming the spurious liquor in Motihari. The death toll rose to 27 and the police has registered five cases and arrested 174 people as a part of the investigation. According to reports, 15 individuals are presently receiving medical attention at the Motihari Sadar Hospital, while another 14 patients have been admitted to a private hospital. Of the latter group, four patients are said to be in critical condition.
Earlier on Monday, the Chief Minister of Bihar said that he is “deeply pained” over the casualties that occurred in the tragedy that is alleged to have been caused by hooch at Motihari in the East Champaran district. He also declared that an ex gratia of Rs. 4 lakhs will be given to each of the deceased person’s next of kin.
“I am deeply pained at what happened in Motihari… I know that the majority of people who die in such incidents belong to the economically weaker sections… Despite our best attempts, hooch incidents are taking place in the state and people are dying after consuming spurious liquor,” Kumar told reporters.
The dry state had placed a complete ban on the sale and consumption of alcoholic drinks in 2016. Despite this, last year in December, another hooch tragedy was reported in Saran district of Bihar that claimed more than 70 lives.