The death toll in Bihar’s hooch tragedy has risen to 11 after another victim succumbed on Monday night, officials said. The first death linked to the incident was reported on April 2. The latest victim has been identified as Jitendra Shah, a resident of Balganga in Ward No. 29 under the Raghunathpur police station area in Motihari. He is survived by his wife and five daughters.
Family members have alleged foul play. Jitendra’s eldest daughter, Rani Kumari (16), claimed that a neighbour had served him the liquor that led to his death.
“On Wednesday night, my father was served liquor by our neighbour, and then everyone fled. They did this out of malice. Now he is gone. What will we do?” she said.
His wife, Lalita Devi, expressed anguish over the family’s future.
“He was the sole breadwinner. I have five daughters. How will we survive now?” she said.
Local residents said Jitendra’s health deteriorated soon after he consumed liquor on April 1. Uma Devi, a neighbour, said he experienced severe restlessness, rapid breathing, abdominal pain, and blurred vision the same night. He was admitted to a hospital the following day but died during treatment on Monday.
According to official figures, one person was brought dead to the hospital on April 2, followed by seven deaths on April 4 and two more on April 5. With the latest fatality, the toll has reached 11. Around 15 people are still undergoing treatment, with at least six reportedly losing their eyesight.
Doctors have attributed the deaths to the consumption of spurious liquor laced with methyl alcohol, a toxic substance. Medical experts explained that methyl alcohol converts into formaldehyde in the body, severely damaging vital organs such as the eyes, lungs, and brain, and often leading to liver and kidney failure.
Police said an illegal liquor smuggling network is active in the region, with contraband allegedly brought in across the Nepal border and adulterated with industrial-grade alcohol.
Superintendent of Police Swarn Prabhat said that seven people, including a watchman, have been arrested in connection with the case. Two alleged liquor mafia operatives, identified as Sunil Shah and Kanhaiya Yadav, surrendered in court on Monday.
“They have been charged with selling spurious liquor. All accused are being interrogated, and further action will be taken as per court directions,” he said.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident as efforts are underway to trace the source of the illicit liquor supply.
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