Sun Jan 19 17:10:53 UTC 2025: ## Seven Deaths in Bihar Spark Spurious Liquor Suspicion, Inquiry Ordered
**West Champaran, Bihar:** Seven deaths in West Champaran district, Bihar, have sparked an investigation into suspected spurious liquor consumption. While locals blame illicit alcohol, police are investigating, noting that at least two deaths were unrelated to alcohol consumption – one due to a tractor accident and another to a paralytic stroke.
The deaths, all reported from the Lauriya police station area, came to light on Sunday, although the first fatality occurred four days earlier on January 15th. All seven bodies were cremated before police were notified, hindering the investigation.
District Superintendent of Police Shaurya Suman confirmed the deaths and stated that an investigation team has been formed to determine the cause of death for the remaining five individuals. The team, tasked with identifying those who died in the past few days, is expected to submit its report within 24 hours. Deputy Development Commissioner Sumit Kumar echoed the difficulty in ascertaining the cause of death due to the cremation of the bodies.
The incident raises concerns, particularly given Bihar’s existing prohibition on alcohol sales and consumption, implemented in April 2016. A family member of one of the deceased confirmed that their relative had consumed alcohol with a friend, both of whom subsequently died. The investigation will focus on determining if spurious liquor was indeed the cause of the deaths.
First Piper 