Five dead after consuming suspected spurious liquor in Bihar’s Saran

A suspected hooch tragedy in Bihar’s Saran district claimed five lives, raising concerns about the continued menace of illicit liquor despite the state’s prohibition law. Officials said two more victims died during treatment on Friday, taking the toll to five.

The incident occurred in Panapur and Mashrakh areas , where several people reportedly consumed spurious country-made liquor earlier this week. Deaths have been reported from different localities since March 11 .

The deceased were identified as Santosh Mahto, Suken Nutt, Dharmendra Rai, Raghuvar Mahto, and Pankaj Singh . Dharmendra Rai had died at a hospital in Patna on Thursday, while Raghuvar Mahto and Pankaj Singh died during treatment on Friday. Raghuvar Mahto had been arrested for allegedly possessing illicit liquor . Two victims were reportedly cremated without informing the police.

At least seven others are undergoing treatment at the Sadar Hospital in Saran. The district administration has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident and determine the exact cause of death.

Police conducted raids at around 160 locations in Dhenuki, Dubauli, and Mashrakh blocks , arresting 11 people. Authorities seized and destroyed 1,650 litres of country-made liquor , along with 128 litres of diluted liquor and 28.4 litres of IMFL.

All hospitals in the district have been placed on alert, with strict instructions to inform police if patients show symptoms of alcohol consumption.

Bihar has been under complete prohibition since 2016 , but incidents involving illicit liquor continue. The Patna High Court recently warned that ineffective enforcement of the law could endanger lives. Post-mortem reports will confirm the exact cause of death.