The number of deaths due to poisonous liquor in Bihar’s East Champaran district reached seven on April 4, 2026. More than a dozen people are currently receiving treatment at different hospitals, and several individuals have lost their eyesight. Forensic reports confirmed that the substance sold as liquor was actually pure methanol, prompting a large-scale police investigation across multiple villages including Balganga, Laxmipur, and Parsauna.
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How did the methanol network operate in the district?
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) identified a supply chain that started in Piprakothi. Investigations revealed that spirit was supplied by local mafia members to distributors in Parsauna, who then handed it over to sellers like Naga Rai. During the raids, police recovered 700 liters of spirit from Piprakothi. Forensic experts have confirmed the presence of pure methanol in the seized samples, which explains the high number of casualties and the loss of vision among survivors.
What actions did the administration take against the accused?
Police authorities arrested eight liquor traders, including the prime suspect Naga Rai and a local chowkidar named Bharat Rai. Turkaulia Station House Officer Umashankar Manjhi was suspended for negligence in his duties. District Magistrate Saurabh Jorwal and SP Swarn Prabhat are overseeing the operation, while medical camps have been set up in the affected areas. Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav criticized the state government, stating that the liquor ban has failed to prevent frequent tragedies in the state.
