Four dead, over a dozen fall ill in suspected hooch tragedy in Bihar’s Motihari

At least four people have died and over a dozen others have fallen ill in a suspected hooch tragedy in East Champaran of Bihar, triggering panic in affected villages.

The incident occurred in Balganga village under the Turkauliya police station limits, where several residents reportedly consumed spurious liquor on Wednesday evening. The deceased have been identified as Pramod Yadav, Chandu Kumar, Parishan Manjhi, and one unidentified person.

Police have registered a murder case against a suspect, Naga Rai, who has been detained and is believed to have supplied the illicit liquor.

Preliminary accounts suggest the alcohol may have been mixed with industrial spirit, leading to severe health complications. Victims reported symptoms including restlessness, headaches, vomiting, and acute weakness within hours of consumption. In at least one case, a victim reportedly lost vision, raising fears of methanol poisoning.

One affected villager said the group had consumed the liquor assuming it was ordinary alcohol, only to fall seriously ill later.

Fearing legal action under the state’s prohibition laws, some victims are reportedly avoiding public hospitals and seeking treatment discreetly.

Medical experts have warned that toxic substances such as methanol, commonly found in spurious liquor, can cause blindness, organ failure, and death.

Authorities are also verifying reports of additional casualties, even as local representatives say the official toll is still being confirmed.

The tragedy has revived memories of a similar incident in Motihari around two-and-a-half years ago that claimed 42 lives, highlighting persistent concerns over illicit liquor networks despite prohibition in the state.

With IANS inputs