The Bihar government has ordered a probe into the death of seven persons allegedly after drinking spurious liquor in West Champaran district. The incident occurred at Maithya village under the Lauriya police station in Bettiah.
In the last three days, five persons have died, whereas the first death took place on Thursday. Relatives have cremated the bodies and the police came to know of it on Sunday. The district administration has ordered a probe into it, denying deaths due to liquor, which is prohibited in Bihar.
Sumit Kumar, in-charge District Magistrate of Bettiah, said a four-member committee had been formed to probe the deaths.
“Once the report comes, then only we can say anything about the cause of death,” Mr. Kumar told the media.
There is silence in the village over the death of seven persons. However, relatives of the deceased are giving different reasons to the investigating team.
“The medical team which visited the village has not yet submitted the report. These deaths have not happened due to drinking alcohol because people died on different dates and in different age groups,“ said Shaurya Suman, Superintendent of Police, Bettiah.
When the police had gone to investigate the matter, the villagers reportedly showed them a country-made liquor pouch but it was immediately burnt by one of the team members, it is alleged.
After the incident, heavy police deployment has been made in the village. The family members of the deceased are maintaining distance from the police and have kept mum. A team of doctors is visiting door-to-door to conduct medical check-ups. Many of the villagers have told the police that liquor is sold openly in the area. However, the police are pretending as if they are not aware of it.
Published – January 21, 2025 01:46 am IST
