In the last few days, at least 16 people have died in a Bihar hamlet in a suspected incidence of alcohol poisoning in a state that enacted the prohibition law six years ago.
Family members of four fatalities have verified the intake of liquor before to death, according to a statement released by the West Champaran district government, based in Bettiah.
Two people appeared to have died of an illness, according to documentation supplied by family members, while the families of ten others were unsure about the cause of death.
Eight individuals died on Thursday, and another eight were reported the next day.
Five people have been arrested in connection with an FIR filed on the basis of statements made by a relative of Mumtaz Miyan, 36, who is undergoing treatment at a private hospital after becoming ill after consuming spurious liquor. The 22-year-old son of Thag Sah, who is said to be involved in the illicit liquor trade, has been arrested.
The Nitish Kumar administration outlawed the sale and use of alcohol in the state in April 2016.
The state has passed a strict prohibition ordinance that includes criminal penalties for anyone found with alcohol on their property.
According to the administration’s statement, District Magistrate Kundan Kumar has appealed to the people to “come out and share all information without fear” over the “strange” deaths.
