Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar spoke about the Motihari hooch tragedy and said that it is a sad incident and his government will provide Rs 4 lakhs to the families of the deceased from the CM fund.

The death toll in a hooch tragedy in Bihar’s East Champaran district rose to 26 on April 17. Several others were admitted to government and private hospitals after consuming the spurious liquor in Motihar. The condition of a few of them is very critical, according to the officials.

Talking to ANI, CM Nitish Kumar said, “Motihari hooch tragedy: This is a sad incident. We’ll provide Rs 4 lakhs to the families of the deceased, from CM relief fund but they should provide in writing that they are in favour of alcohol ban in the state & that they’re against drinking alcohol.”

The Bihar Chief Minister added, “If the family members of those who have died by consuming spurious liquor after 2016, apply to the government, then we will provide them with a compensation of Rs 4 lakhs from the CM Relief Fund.”

Welcoming his decision, BJP MP Sushil Modi told ANI, “This is a welcome decision. We have been saying this for past one year. But Nitish Kumar used to say that he won’t do this…We welcome this decision and we would want a compensation of Rs 4 Lakhs each to all bereaved families till date. CM is responsible. 16 incidents occurred in a year, 300 people died. If there is liquor ban, how did the liquor reach here?”

Soon after the news about the tragedy broke out, the Bihar police conduct survey in the affected areas. Deputy Inspector General of Police, Champaran area; Bettiah, District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, Motihari visited all the hospitals and reviewed the condition of the persons undergoing treatment.

“Information was received on 14.04.2023 that some persons have died under suspicious circumstances in Harsiddhi, Sugauli, Paharpur, Turkauliya, and Raghunathpur police station areas under Motihari district. Local citizens said that these people died due to the consumption of spurious liquor. As soon as the information about this was received, the district administration has conducted a door-to-door survey in the affected areas,” Bihar Police mentioned in a statement on Sunday.

Raids were conducted to seize illegal liquor and arrest the criminals involved. A total of 76 liquor smugglers have been arrested by the Motihari police in the last 36 hours. “In the course of this raid, a total of 76 liquor smugglers have been arrested by the Motihari police in the last 36 hours,” the police statement mentioned.

The statement added, “Out of 76, 25 liquor smugglers have been arrested in the affected areas and a total of 736.5 liters of liquor and 66 liters of spirit have been recovered. 6110 liters of paas (semi-finished liquor) have been destroyed. Apart from this, the concerned sub-divisional police will take action against the police officers who are negligent.”