‘Death toll in India hooch tragedy rises to 70’
NEW DELHI (AA) – At least 70 people have died since consuming illicitly brewed homemade liquor in the eastern Indian state of Bihar on Tuesday, according to unconfirmed reports.
Saran Civil Surgeon Dr. Sagar Dulal Sinha confirmed that 30 people have died as a result of drinking spurious liquor in the Saran district. Saran has had the highest number of fatalities since the state banned the sale and consumption of liquor in April 2016.
Officials from the Saran district administration said on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak to the media, that family members of many affected people are avoiding disclosing that their relatives had consumed alcohol for fear of repercussions from the administration.
They said they are being treated at home or in hospitals in other districts.
According to Siwan Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sanjay Kumar, an investigation has been launched against people involved in the sale and purchase of liquor in the region.
Kumar has faced severe criticism from opposing parties for perceived leniency in enforcing alcohol prohibition in the state.
Last week, local media reported the deaths of 11 people in the same district as a result of drinking spurious liquor.
According to official figures, state law enforcement agencies recovered four million liters of bootleg alcohol this year and registered more than 138,000 cases.
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