Photo: IANS
Patna: The death toll in the hooch tragedy in East Champaran rose to seven on Saturday after two more victims succumbed during treatment, officials said.
Investigators stated that Lal Kishor Rai and Laddu Sah died early in the morning, adding to the fatalities reported earlier, including Parikshan Majhi, Heera Lal Bhagat, Sampat Sah, Chandu Kumar and Pramod Yadav, who had allegedly consumed spurious liquor over the past two days.
Authorities said that around 14 people remain hospitalised, with several in critical condition and at least six having reportedly lost their eyesight. Doctors are closely monitoring the patients, including Loha Thakur, Ravindra Yadav, Dinesh Yadav and Umesh Ram, among others, TNIE reported.
Family members of one of the deceased, Parikshan Majhi, said his daughter’s wedding, which was scheduled for April 13, had to be postponed following the tragedy.
A survivor undergoing treatment reportedly said that he and others had purchased liquor sachets at a low price, adding that those who consumed it with him had died. He also pledged to avoid alcohol in the future.
Investigators indicated that illicit liquor suppliers had been operating in the region since prohibition was enforced in 2016. A special investigation team has arrested four individuals Naga Rai, Jammu Baitha, Raja and Khalifa in connection with the case and is probing the supply chain. Officials said that different victims had sourced the liquor from separate suppliers.
The incident occurred in areas under the Turkaulia and Raghunathpur police station limits. Authorities have suspended the station house officer of Turkaulia police station and arrested a chaukidar as part of the action taken following the incident.