Hooch Tragedy Highlights Flaws in Bihar's Liquor Ban

Two deaths related to spurious liquor raised the toll to 37 in Bihar, highlighting the inefficacy of the state's liquor ban imposed by the Nitish Kumar government in 2016. Criticism from RJD points to corruption and a parallel economy flourishing despite extensive police raids.

In Bihar, the death toll from consuming spurious liquor has risen to 37, an official confirmed on Saturday. The latest fatalities occurred in Baikunthpur, escalating concerns over the effectiveness of the state's liquor ban.

The prohibition, initiated by the Nitish Kumar administration in 2016, is under scrutiny as the opposition RJD accuses the government of corruption and enabling a thriving illegal alcohol market. According to Yadav, the ban failed as more people consume liquor in Bihar than in Maharashtra, where no prohibition exists.

Despite extensive law enforcement actions — reportedly averaging 275 raids per hour — the illegal liquor trade persists. The deaths underscore the ban's limitations and spark debates on its impact on public safety and governance.

(With inputs from agencies.)