Law Kumar Mishra
Patna, January 21
Within three days of Nalanda illicit liquor tragedy in which 15 people died, yet another hooch tragedy in Saran district , 80 kms north from here claimed 15 lives
Since April 5, 2016 there is total prohibition in Bihar.
District Magistrate of Saran , Rajesh Meena told media persons at Chapra, district headquarters of Saran, a mini illicit distillery was unearthed at Janata Bazar area of Jagdishpur. District SP, Santosh Kumar said 19 people have been arrested and 480 litres of liquor recovered.
Suraj Baitha, who was admitted here after being referred from Chapra sadar hospital died on Friday morning. Others were admitted at Chapra and Amnour hospitals.
Initially, district administration said” it is not undeniable that casualty was due to consumption of liquor, but we are awaiting confirmation from the autopsy report”. Immediate reaction was they might have died of severe cold.
But, wives and children of the victims from Amnour, Maker and Marhourha claimed they had consumed liquor at Janata bazar and identified the suppliers.
Grandson of 55 years old Ramnath Mahto told media persons,his “dada” had cobsumed liquor and died in the morning. Widow of Krishna Mahto,alleged illicit liquor killed her husband.
Krishna’s father saud his son was admitted in a private hospital which charged Rs 27000,but his son could not recover.
According to SP, eight cases have been registered and station house officer of Masker police station and chaukidar suspended.
Those killed in the Saran liquor tragedy include Toli Singh, Sampat Mahto, Bhulan Mahto, Rajesh Sharma, Jawahir Mahto, Ramnath Mahto, Krishna Mahto, Anil Rai, Bharat Rai, Brijbihari Singh, Moin Isha, Suraj Baitha, Pa ppu Singh, Arun Kumar and Banai Singh.
Doctors claimed eight survivors have lost their eye sights. Village heads of eight panchayats in Amnour block today claimed illicit liquor was available at Marhourha, Masker and Amnour blocks. They also alleged deaths took place following consumption of liquor.
