Fri Apr 04 13:03:07 UTC 2025: ## Bihar’s Liquor Prohibition: 190 Deaths Since 2016 Despite Crackdown

**Patna, April 4, 2025** – Despite a statewide prohibition on alcohol enacted in 2016, illicit liquor continues to claim lives in Bihar. A senior Excise official revealed Friday that 190 deaths have been confirmed since the ban was implemented. The hardest-hit districts include Saran, Siwan, Gaya, Bhojpur, Buxar, and Gopalganj.

The Bihar government’s crackdown, however, has yielded significant results. Authorities have registered 9.36 lakh cases related to prohibition violations, leading to 14.32 lakh arrests. A massive 3.86 crore bulk litres of seized liquor—97% of which has been destroyed—along with 1.40 lakh vehicles used in its transportation have been confiscated. The auction of these vehicles generated ₹340.55 crore in revenue.

Innovative methods, including drone surveillance and the deployment of 33 sniffer dogs, are being used to combat the illegal liquor trade. The Excise department also reported record revenue collection of ₹7,648.88 crore from land and flat registrations, exceeding its target for the fiscal year 2024-25. Furthermore, the department plans to expand its online registration services, making it easier for citizens to access these services. The ongoing struggle to enforce prohibition in Bihar highlights the persistent challenges in tackling the illegal alcohol trade despite stringent measures.

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