RNS: The death toll rose to 39 in the hooch tragedy in the Saran district of Bihar. People died after allegedly consuming spurious liquor, official sources said. Meanwhile, some people have also lost their eyesight. Family members of the deceased said more than 50 persons had consumed spurious liquor.
Raids are ‘on’ to nab the culprits engaged in the spurious liquor trade. Around 30 people had been taken into police custody for interrogation, said Rajesh Meena, District Magistrate, Saran.
The episode sparked a political brawl in the Bihar Assembly yesterday, with opposition leaders railing against Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Later, an enraged Nitish Kumar lost his cool in the Assembly and yelled at Opposition MLAs who had criticised the state administration over the state’s prohibition of alcohol.
Notably, the Nitish government prohibited selling and drinking alcohol in Bihar in 2016.
