East Champaran Hooch Tragedy Worsens, Death Toll Climbs to 11

PATNA:
The spurious liquor tragedy in Bihar’s East Champaran district has further worsened with the death toll now rising to 11 after another victim died early Tuesday morning.

The deceased has been identified as Jitendra Shah, a resident of Balganga (Ward No. 29) under the Raghunathpur police station area. His death has left behind a grieving family, including five daughters who have now lost their sole breadwinner.

Jitendra’s eldest daughter, 16-year-old Rani Kumari, remains in shock and has alleged foul play. She claimed that her father was served the liquor by a neighbour, leading to his death.

“On the night of April 1, my father was given liquor by our neighbour. After that, everyone fled. This was done out of enmity, and it led to my father’s death. What are we supposed to do now?” said Rani Kumari.

Local residents described the horrifying symptoms experienced by victims after consuming the toxic liquor. According to a villager, Jitendra suffered severe restlessness, rapid breathing, abdominal pain, and blurred vision shortly after consumption.

“His health deteriorated the same night. We rushed him to the hospital the next morning. Doctors later said it was due to alcohol consumption. He was undergoing treatment when he passed away,” a villager said.

The tragedy began on April 2, when several people across different localities fell ill after consuming spurious liquor in Motihari.

The death toll rose rapidly. Till April 4, the authorities registered seven deaths, including Chandu Kumar, Pramod Kumar, Parikshan Manjhi, Hiralal Bhagat, Lalkishore Rai, Sampat Sah, and Laddu Sah.

On April 5, Md Ilyas Ansari, another Laddu Sah (Balganga), and Jodha Manjhi lost their lives. On April 7, Jitendra Shah succumbed in the hospital. So far, 11 people have lost their lives, while around 15 others remain hospitalized.

Alarmingly, at least six victims have reportedly lost their eyesight.

Doctors treating the victims confirmed that the deaths were caused by liquor contaminated with methyl alcohol. Medical experts explain that methyl alcohol metabolizes into formaldehyde in the body, severely damaging the eyes, lungs, brain, liver, and kidneys — often proving fatal.

According to Superintendent of Police Swarn Prabhat, an illicit liquor network operating in the region is under investigation. The racket is suspected to involve smuggling across the Nepal border, with alcohol adulterated using industrial-grade chemicals.

“So far, seven people have been arrested in connection with the case, including a watchman. Two accused also surrendered in court. All are being interrogated, and further action is being taken as per court orders,” said Swarn Prabhat, SP, East Champaran.

Authorities have identified key accused, including alleged liquor kingpins Sunil Shah and Kanhaiya Yadav, who recently surrendered. Police have also arrested Naga Rai, one of the main suppliers of the spurious liquor in the region.