Hooch Crisis in Bihar: Four Confirmed Dead, Many Ill from Toxic Liquor

Key Takeaways

Four lives lost in a suspected hooch tragedy.

Over a dozen individuals have fallen ill.

The liquor was reportedly adulterated with industrial spirit.

An FIR for murder has been filed against the alleged supplier.

Prohibition laws in Bihar are being questioned amid ongoing incidents.

Patna, April 3 (NationPress) In a tragic incident in East Champaran district of Bihar, four individuals have lost their lives while over a dozen others have fallen seriously ill after reportedly consuming contaminated liquor. This disturbing event has caused widespread fear in the local villages.

Sources indicate that numerous individuals consumed what is believed to be illicit alcohol in Balganga village, located within the jurisdiction of the Turkauliya police station on Wednesday evening. The deceased have been identified as Pramod Yadav, Chandu Kumar, Parishan Manjhi, and one unidentified person.

An FIR for murder has been lodged against a suspect named Naga Rai, who has been taken into custody by district police. He is suspected of supplying the tainted liquor to the villagers.

Eyewitness reports suggest that the liquor was allegedly adulterated with industrial spirit, resulting in severe health issues. Victims experienced symptoms such as agitation, severe headaches, vomiting, and extreme fatigue within hours of ingestion.

In a notable case, one victim reportedly lost vision in both eyes as his condition worsened. Another affected individual, Loha Thakur, recounted that he consumed the liquor with friends, mistakenly considering it to be regular alcohol.

“We believed it was ordinary liquor, but it turned out to be mixed with spirit. Now one of my friends has lost his eyesight, and I feel unwell too,” he stated.

In light of potential legal repercussions under prohibition laws, some villagers are reportedly seeking medical help discreetly, avoiding public healthcare facilities.

Local health professionals have cautioned that toxic substances such as methanol—commonly found in spurious liquor—can be lethal or lead to irreversible damage, including blindness.

Meanwhile, rumors of more fatalities have heightened anxiety in the region. However, local officials, including ward councillor Ramashankar Thakur, have indicated that while many individuals are unwell, the official confirmation of additional deaths is still under investigation.

This incident has rekindled memories of a significant hooch tragedy in Motihari approximately two and a half years ago, which resulted in 42 fatalities.

Despite prohibition laws being enforced in Bihar, incidents involving illicit liquor continue to pose serious risks, raising urgent questions about the effectiveness of enforcement and the existence of illegal alcohol networks.

Point of View

Highlighting the dire need for stricter enforcement of prohibition laws. The loss of life and suffering caused by toxic liquor is a stark reminder of the risks faced by communities when illicit trades flourish unchecked.

NationPress

13 Jul 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the hooch tragedy in Bihar?

The hooch tragedy in Bihar is believed to have been caused by the consumption of **toxic liquor**, which may have been adulterated with industrial spirit.

How many people have died in the incident?

At least **four individuals** have been confirmed dead due to the suspected hooch tragedy.

What symptoms are reported by the victims?

Victims have experienced symptoms such as **restlessness, severe headaches, vomiting**, and physical weakness shortly after consuming the liquor.

What actions are being taken against the supplier?

An FIR for **murder** has been filed against a suspect named Naga Rai, who is believed to have supplied the toxic liquor.

Is alcohol prohibition effective in Bihar?

Despite the prohibition laws in Bihar, incidents involving **spurious liquor** continue to occur, raising concerns about enforcement and illegal alcohol networks.