16 held for suspected hooch tragedy in Bihar

The station house officer (SHO) of Lauriya police station and other police personnel have been recalled to the district police lines.

Sixteen people were arrested and a police officer and chowkidar suspended on Saturday in connection with 16 suspected hooch deaths in Bihar’s West Champaran district, officials said. The deaths were reported across separate villages over the week.

The action came after families of 12 of the deceased accepted that they had consumed liquor. (HT Archive)

The station house officer (SHO) of Lauriya police station and other police personnel have been recalled to the district police lines.

The action came after families of 12 of the deceased accepted that they had consumed liquor.

A press release issued by the district administration on Saturday said, “While 16 people have been arrested, search for others is underway. SHO Rajeev Kumar and other personnel attached with Lauriya police station have been shifted to the police lines. The officer-in-charge of the police station, KP Yadav, and another chowkidar have been suspended.”

Meanwhile, Birendra Gupta, the CPI-ML (L) legislator from Sikta assembly constituency, wrote to chief minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday, accusing the district administration of hushing up cases and demanded action against police officials.