Bihar hooch tragedy: Death toll rises to 25, 12 arrested; DGP Bihar vows strict action against accused

Patna (Bihar) [India], October 17 : Bihar's Director General of Police (DGP), Alok Raj, stated on Thursday that 25 people have died after allegedly consuming spurious liquor in two separate incidents in Siwan and Saran. Twelve people have been arrested in connection with the case.
DGP Raj told ANI, "A total of 25 people have lost their lives so far--20 in Siwan and 5 in Saran. Twelve people have been arrested, with 3 in Saran and 9 in Siwan."
He vowed strict action against those allegedly involved in the incident.
Raj further added that evidence is being collected based on information gathered from the arrested individuals regarding the 'liquor mafia.'
"Information about the 'liquor mafia' has been obtained from the arrested individuals. Strict action will be taken against everyone involved in this network," he added.
DGP Raj noted that the Superintendents of Police and District Magistrates of both districts, along with the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) for Saran, reached the scene after being alerted to the situation.
He said, "From Patna, the Prohibition Department Secretary and SP were sent to the scene. Evidence is being collected, and strict action will be taken."
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar held a high-level review meeting on Thursday following reports of spurious liquor deaths in Siwan and Saran (Chapra). After the review, the CM directed the Secretary of the Prohibition, Excise and Registration Department to visit the area, gather information, and conduct a thorough investigation into the matter, according to a statement from the CMO.
Saran Superintendent of Police, Kumar Ashish, stated that the substance involved appeared to be industrial spirit, and investigations into its supply chain are ongoing.
Speaking to ANI, Ashish said, "The substance is reported to be industrial spirit, and we are investigating its supply chain. Local police officers have been suspended, and the SHO and other personnel have been questioned. If their responses are unsatisfactory, further action will be taken. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also been formed. In the last 24 hours, we conducted 250 raids, recovering 1,650 litres of alcohol in the district."
Saran District Magistrate, Aman Samir, said the families of the deceased must pledge their support for the state's liquor ban to be eligible for compensation.
Samir told ANI, "The families of the deceased must pledge their support for the liquor ban and express opposition to alcohol. If the post-mortem reports meet the necessary conditions, an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh will be provided to the families."