Four dead in suspected spurious liquor incident in Patna

Four individuals died in Patna on Tuesday in what officials suspect was poisoning from spurious or adulterated liquor, marking another tragedy linked to the illegal alcohol trade plaguing Bihar's capital city.

The victims were reportedly found unresponsive at their residence, with preliminary investigations pointing to consumption of contaminated or counterfeit liquor as the likely cause of death. Local police have registered cases and begun inquiries into the source of the illicit alcohol.

Bihar has witnessed repeated incidents of deaths linked to spurious liquor consumption despite a state prohibition policy in effect since 2016. The deaths typically occur in low-income localities where illicit distillers and smugglers operate with relative impunity, providing substandard alcohol at lower prices to economically disadvantaged populations.

Authorities stated that viscera samples from the deceased have been sent for chemical analysis to confirm the exact cause of death. The investigation also aims to trace the origins of the illicit liquor and identify those responsible for its manufacture and distribution.

The incident underscores persistent challenges in enforcing prohibition laws and curbing the underground alcohol economy in the state, despite repeated crackdowns by law enforcement agencies.