NHRC seeks report after student consumes illicit liquor in Bihar school

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a shocking incident in Bihar’s Begusarai district, where a Class 4 student allegedly consumed illicit liquor after mistaking it for a soft drink on school premises.

According to reports, the incident occurred in the Siswa area on April 6, when the child found bottles stored inside a dilapidated toilet within the school. Unaware of the contents, the student drank the liquid and later returned home in an intoxicated condition, prompting concern among family members. The matter was subsequently reported to school authorities and the police.

During a search operation, police recovered a substantial quantity of illegal liquor from the school premises . Officials seized 23 cartons containing approximately 204 litres of illicit alcohol from the toilet, raising serious questions about how such material was stored within an educational institution.

Taking note of the incident, the NHRC observed that, if proven true, it points to a grave violation of the child’s human rights and reflects severe negligence. The Commission has issued notices to the Bihar Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, seeking a detailed report within two weeks.

The report is expected to include the current health status of the child, findings of the investigation, and action taken against those responsible. The incident has also drawn attention to the enforcement of prohibition laws in Bihar, where a complete ban on alcohol has been in place since 2016.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the matter.