Bihar hooch tragedy: Death toll rises to six as one more person dies

The death toll in the Bihar hooch tragedy rose to six after another person died after consuming spurious liquor in East Champaran district on Saturday, March 4, 2026, officials said.

The first death in the incident was reported on Thursday, March 2, 2026.

At least 12 people have been arrested in connection with the deaths in Turkauliya and Raghunathpur areas of Motihari, District Magistrate Saurabh Jorwal said.

Police said a case of murder was registered following a complaint from family members of the deceased.

They also stated that at least four people are still being treated in the hospital and seven people have been discharged after their treatment.

The district judge told PTI“The death toll has risen to 6 and the bodies have been sent for autopsy. The exact cause of the deaths can only be known after the reports arrive.” Turkauliya police station SHO has already been suspended from duty for dereliction of duty. A special investigation team (SIT) has been constituted to investigate the incident.

Police sources said initial investigations suggested that the first victim had consumed illegal liquor in the Raghunathpur area.

“Police have identified the liquor supplier. A team of district police and Anti-Alcohol Task Force (ALTF) is conducting searches in Parsauni, Mushhari Tola and Turkaulia. A high-level investigation has also been initiated into the incident,” DM said in a statement on Saturday. he said.

The deaths sparked a political standoff in the state, where the sale and consumption of alcohol has been banned since 2016.