Patna, April 7 (NationPress) The tragic incident involving counterfeit alcohol in Bihar's East Champaran district has escalated, with the fatality count reaching 11 following the death of another individual early Tuesday morning.

The latest victim has been identified as Jitendra Shah, a resident of Balganga (Ward No. 29), located in the jurisdiction of the Raghunathpur police station. His passing has left a bereaved family, including five daughters who have now lost their sole provider.

Rani Kumari, Jitendra’s eldest daughter, aged 16, remains in a state of shock and has raised allegations of foul play, claiming that a neighbor provided the lethal liquor that resulted in her father's demise.

“On the night of April 1, my father was given liquor by our neighbor. 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?” Rani Kumari expressed.

Local residents have reported the horrifying symptoms experienced by victims after consuming the toxic liquor. One villager noted that Jitendra exhibited severe restlessness, rapid breathing, abdominal pain, and blurred vision soon after consumption.

“His health deteriorated that very night. We rushed him to the hospital the next morning, but doctors later confirmed it was due to alcohol consumption. He was receiving treatment when he passed away,” said a villager.

The horrific episode began on April 2, when numerous individuals across various localities became ill after consuming counterfeit liquor in Motihari.

The death toll escalated rapidly, with authorities reporting seven fatalities by April 4, which included 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. By April 7, Jitendra Shah succumbed in the hospital. In total, 11 individuals have now lost their lives, with approximately 15 others still hospitalized.

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

Doctors treating the patients confirmed that the fatalities were linked to liquor contaminated with methyl alcohol. Medical professionals explain that methyl alcohol metabolizes into formaldehyde in the body, severely harming the eyes, lungs, brain, liver, and kidneys, which can often be fatal.

Superintendent of Police Swarn Prabhat stated that an illicit liquor network operating in the area is currently under investigation. It is suspected that the operation involves smuggling across the Nepal border, using industrial-grade chemicals to adulterate the alcohol.

“To date, seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, including a watchman. Two suspects have also surrendered in court. All individuals are being interrogated, and further actions are being executed as per court directives,” stated Swarn Prabhat, SP of East Champaran.

Authorities have identified key suspects, including alleged liquor kingpins Sunil Shah and Kanhaiya Yadav, who recently surrendered. The police have also apprehended Naga Rai, one of the primary suppliers of the counterfeit liquor in the area.