A tragic incident linked to the consumption of illicit liquor has struck a family in Bihar's Samastipur district, raising serious questions about the enforcement of the state's prohibition law. The event resulted in the death of a man and left his son permanently blinded, highlighting the deadly risks of spurious alcohol.
Family Devastated by Poisonous Brew
The victim, identified as Mukesh Ram (45), a resident of Bariyarpur village under the jurisdiction of the Tajpur police station, succumbed after drinking the toxic liquor. His son, Prince Kumar (25), who consumed the same alcohol, suffered severe poisoning that led to the complete loss of his eyesight. The incident occurred on the night of Saturday, March 16, but came to light as the family rushed the two to hospitals.
According to details, the father and son had consumed the illicit liquor together. Their condition deteriorated rapidly, forcing the family to seek medical help. Mukesh Ram was first taken to a local hospital but was later referred to the Samastipur Sadar Hospital, where he was declared dead. Prince Kumar's situation was also critical, and he was subsequently referred to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Patna for advanced treatment, where doctors confirmed the irreversible damage to his vision.
Police Launch Investigation Amid Prohibition Challenge
Following the incident, the Tajpur police have registered a case and initiated an investigation. Authorities are working to trace the source of the poisonous alcohol and identify those involved in its manufacture and distribution. This tragedy underscores the persistent challenge of enforcing total prohibition in Bihar, where the demand for alcohol often leads to a dangerous black market for bootleg liquor.
Local sources indicate that despite the ban, the illicit trade of spurious liquor continues in some areas, posing a constant threat to public health and safety. The police action in this case is being closely watched as a test of the state's resolve to crack down on such networks.
A Grim Reminder of Hooch Dangers
This incident in Samastipur serves as a grim reminder of the fatal consequences of consuming illicit liquor, which is often brewed under unhygienic conditions with toxic industrial chemicals like methanol. Such tragedies are not isolated and periodically surface in various parts of the country, including dry states.
The family in Bariyarpur is now grappling with immense loss and a lifelong disability for the young survivor. The case has sparked discussions on the ground about the effectiveness of prohibition and the need for stronger mechanisms to curb the underground liquor trade that endangers lives.
As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on providing justice to the affected family and preventing similar hooch tragedies in the future through stricter vigilance and public awareness about the dangers of spurious alcohol.
