Dry state Bihar continues to see hooch deaths, with 27 people killed at Motihari in East Champaran district. At least 20 people are fighting for their lives in Sadar and other hospitals in the district, according to a senior officer.
What Is Hooch?
Hooch, which is derived from ‘hoochinoo,’ a distilled alcohol produced by a native Alaskan tribe, is cheap, produced in small, unregulated batches, and does not bear excise duty. This low-quality beverage is often made by blending chemicals and water.
The use of unsuitable adulterants in the wrong amounts increases the risks associated with hooch. It may dramatically increase the intoxication of alcohol, resulting in blackouts, memory loss, and acute drunkenness even with tiny amounts consumed.
Furthermore, when adulterants like Methanol are present, alcohol is dangerous to consume and can be deadly.
Current Scenario
A statement issued by the district police, “The death toll has now mounted to 27. The district police have sent nine bodies for post-mortem examinations. The police have so far registered five cases and arrested 174 people as part of the investigation into the matter.”
The local government has sent notifications to seven officials of state prohibition department personnel, requesting explanations in connection with the suspected hooch incident in the district.
Furthermore, station House Officers of Turkauliya, Harsiddhi, Sugauli, Raghunathpur, and Paharpur in Motihari, where deaths from alleged illicit liquor consumption were first recorded on 15 April, were suspended for “dereliction of duties.”
Also Read: Alcohol Bottles Give New Lease Of Life To Afflicted Women In Bihar
Since April 15, large quantities of fake alcohol and other associated substances have been seized during searches at over 600 locations throughout Motihari.
Ex-Gratia Announced For Deceased
Following the tragedy, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh to next of kin.
Talking to Mint, Nitish Kumar said, “I am deeply pained at what happened in Motihari… I know that the majority of people who die in such incidents belong to the economically weaker sections… Despite our best attempts, hooch incidents are taking place in the state and people are dying after consuming spurious liquor.”
However, the Bihar Chief Minister indicated that the cash will only be paid if their family members provide written proof to the district magistrate that the death occurred as a result of the consumption of illegal liquor. They will be required to reveal where the alcohol was obtained.
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: Hindustan Times, Mint, The Logical Indian
Find the blogger: Palak Dogra
This post is tagged under: bihar hooch tragedy, motihari hooch tragedy, hooch tragedy, hooch tragedy in bihar, bihar hooch tragedy case, hooch tragedy bihar, hooch tragedy deaths, bihar hooch tragedy story, hooch tragedy in bihar
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