Bihar Hooch tragedy: death toll rises to 21; political blame game in play

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Image source: PTI/FILE Opposition calls for alcohol ban law to be overturned

The death toll in the alleged sinkhole tragedy rose to 21 in dry Bihar on Thursday amid the political blame game in the state.

The deaths were reported in Saran district on Wednesday, sparking a brawl in the Bihar Assembly where the ruling Mahagathbandhan led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the opposition BJP swapped accusations over the tragedy.

According to Sunil Kumar, the state prohibition minister, the deaths were reported in the Mashrak and Isuapur police station areas of Saran.

The sale and consumption of alcohol was completely banned in Bihar by the government of Nitish Kumar in April 2016.

Dr Sagar Dulal Sinha, the civilian surgeon in charge of Saran, said: “Most of them were pronounced dead at a hospital in Chhapra, the district headquarters. Some, who had been ill since Tuesday morning, died while undergoing treatment.

As all of the deceased are suspected to have consumed an intoxicant, after the autopsy the viscera will be sent to a forensic laboratory in Muzaffarpur for examination, Sinha told PTI by phone.

The district administration, meanwhile, said it has formed teams of officials, who will visit affected villages and meet with bereaved families to track down those who may have been serving illicit alcohol.

Considering alcohol prohibition: Giriraj Singh

Bihar BJP leaders including Union Minister Giriraj Singh have called on Nitish Kumar to reconsider ban policy in the state, saying it has failed with illegal sale of bogus alcohol causing deaths frequent occurrences and an increase in related crimes. “Every day people in Bihar are dying from fake liquors while Kumar remains stubborn on his failed policy. Crime is on the rise. Alcohol has become like God which may not be visible but is present all over the state,” Singh said. . Singh told reporters outside parliament that Kumar should call a multi-party meeting on the matter and make a decision accordingly. “If a policy is not successful, it should be reconsidered,” he said.

political blame game

The issue rocked the Bihar assembly, where BJP MPs walked into the pit, shouting anti-government slogans and demanding compensation from family members of those who lost their lives in Saran.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, for whom prohibition is a move inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and therefore close to his heart, angrily rose from his chair and stood to berate BJP lawmakers, waving fingers towards them.

The uproar prompted Speaker Awadh Bihari Chaudhary to adjourn the proceedings for 15 minutes, less than half an hour after the 11 a.m. start, and the unruly scenes continued as the House reconvened.

BJP members demanded an apology from the out-of-place chief minister and staged a strike when zero hour began.

The apology demand was again raised by BJP MPs after lunch when CM and Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav were present inside the Chamber. All opposition MPs walked out in protest as the Speaker continued his business for the day.

Outside the House, Opposition Leader Vijay Kumar Sinha told reporters: The CM owes its current mandate to us (BJP) but it abandoned us and joined those it accused of jungle raj ( RJD). In their company, he resumed their habits, which is evident from the intimidating and insulting language he used against us on the floor of the House.

Vidhan Parishad Opposition Leader Samrat Chaudhary added: We are appalled to hear about the behavior of the Chief Minister in the assembly. He seems to have lost his moorings and should resign.

Tejashwi Yadav answering questions from reporters said BJP should remember that Bihar witnessed many hooch deaths while in power.

Many of its own leaders have also been accused of being involved in the illicit liquor trade. He should not make hypocritical noises but cooperate with the government which is making honest efforts to reduce alcohol consumption, he said.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said BJP members should understand that drinking alcohol in Bihar is a crime and therefore the deaths caused cannot be compensated. It will come down to supporting the consumption of alcohol.”

Meanwhile, RJD MLA and former minister Sudhaker Singh said the Saffron party, having shared power with Nitish Kumar, had no moral right to shout aloud on the issue, but he backed the idea that the he ban was a complete failure in Bihar.

The case is expected to be investigated by a commission of inquiry headed by a High Court judge. Almost every day, hundreds of people are arrested for consuming alcohol. How is alcohol accessible to so many people if those in power are not involved in some way, he said.

Also Read: ‘Sharabi ho gaye tum log’, Nitish Kumar loses his temper after Oppn drama over Chhapra hooch tragedy. LOOK

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