Tainted Liquor Deaths Rise in Bihar

At least 24 people have died in Bihar, India, after consuming tainted alcohol, with officials fearing the death toll could rise further. The incidents, which occurred in the Siwan and Chapra districts, have led to the arrest of nine individuals involved in the illegal liquor trade, despite the state's prohibition on alcohol since 2016. Authorities have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the matter, and have suspended several police officials for negligence. Relatives of the deceased reported that victims experienced severe symptoms, including vomiting and loss of vision, after consuming the counterfeit liquor. This tragedy is part of a troubling pattern, as Bihar has seen over 150 deaths related to hooch incidents since the ban was implemented. The opposition has criticized the state government, arguing that the continued availability of spurious liquor reflects a failure in enforcing prohibition laws and protecting public safety.