Law Kumar Mishra
Patna, December 16
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday told the state assembly that he had no sympathy with the families of those who died after consuming liquor.
In Saran district, 71 people died in last three days following illicit liquor consumption.
Replying to the opposition demand for compensation to the survivors because the deaths took place due to negligence of the government in enforcing prohibition, the Chief Minister said people were aware of ban on liquor, still they defied law and consumed liquor that led to their death. “I do not regret for these deaths, I have no sympathy for them,” he said.
Leader of Opposition Vijay Kumar Sinha, who had led a delegation of 30 legislators to Mashrakh in Saran district on Thursday said in one village 12 people died while in one family seven died. Liquor was being sold in the villages who were informed about arrival of the fresh consignment of liquor on their mobile sets. He alleged police was engaged in illicit liquor trade.
Later, a delegation of BJP legislators marched from legislature complex to Raj Bhawan and submitted a memorandum to the Governor demanding judicial probe into liquor deaths.
Meanwhile, illicit liquor deaths spread to neighbouring Siwan, where five people who had consumed liquor on Wednesday died today.
In Teghra Village of Begusarai district, Ghanshyam and Shivam died after consuming liquor on Wednesday night. One more is admitted in the hospital.
The National Human Rights Commission today served notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police seeking report on Saran liquor tragedy within a month.
The Chief Minister also denied paying any compensation to the family members of those killed in the spurious liquor tragedy.
