In a deeply unfortunate incident, 35 people have lost their lives after consuming illicit liquor in Bihar’s Siwan and Saran districts. The tragedy has raised alarm about the widespread problem of unregulated alcohol in India, specifically in states like Bihar, where alcohol prohibition has been in place for nearly eight years. This latest hooch tragedy has once again exposed the grim reality of the thriving illicit liquor market and the serious health risks it poses.

The Rising Death Toll

The recent deaths, as confirmed by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, took place primarily in Siwan and Saran districts. A staggering 28 people from Siwan and 7 from Saran have succumbed after consuming toxic alcohol. Additionally, 25 individuals are currently receiving critical care in hospitals across three districts in Bihar. Despite the ongoing investigations, the names of the deceased have not been released, and authorities are awaiting post-mortem reports to determine the exact cause of death.

Alcohol Ban in Bihar: Is It Effective?

The prohibition of alcohol was introduced in Bihar in 2016, with the aim of curbing alcoholism and related social issues. However, the recurrence of hooch tragedies like this one calls into question the effectiveness of the ban. While the ban may have reduced formal alcohol sales, it has fueled the growth of a black market for illicit alcohol. The dangers of consuming such liquor are now starkly evident, with lives lost and families devastated in its wake.

Understanding Illicit Liquor

Illicit liquor refers to alcohol that is produced, distributed, and sold outside legal channels, evading taxation and regulation. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO), this unregulated alcohol often poses severe public health risks. Globally, over a quarter of all alcohol consumption falls under this category, making it a widespread concern.

Why Is Illicit Liquor So Dangerous?

The primary danger of illicit liquor lies in the absence of regulatory oversight. Legal alcohol products are subject to stringent quality checks and safety standards, but illicit products bypass such scrutiny. This lack of regulation leads to several dangerous consequences:

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• Adulteration: Illicit liquor is often adulterated with toxic substances to increase profit margins. Methanol, a common contaminant in unregulated alcohol, is particularly hazardous. Methanol poisoning can lead to blindness, organ failure, and death.
• Substandard Ingredients: To cut costs, producers of illicit liquor may use inferior or contaminated raw materials. These products may contain harmful chemicals, metals, or other substances that can cause severe health issues.
• Lack of Accountability: Since illicit alcohol is sold outside formal channels, there is no system in place to hold manufacturers accountable for safety violations or fraudulent practices. Consumers are often unaware of the risks they are taking when purchasing these products.

The Public Health Crisis

The rise in hooch tragedies across India underscores a growing public health crisis. While alcohol consumption itself has health risks, illicit liquor magnifies these dangers exponentially. As the NIH notes, alcohol ranks among the top four most fraudulent commodities worldwide, along with meat, seafood, and milk. The widespread availability of unregulated alcohol in countries like India makes it a persistent threat to public safety.

In Bihar, the prohibition law has inadvertently created a thriving underground market where bootleggers operate with impunity. The state government, while well-intentioned in its efforts to curb alcoholism, faces a significant challenge in combating the illegal trade. Despite frequent crackdowns on bootleggers, the demand for cheap, unregulated alcohol continues to fuel its production and sale.

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Methanol Poisoning: A Lurking Danger

One of the most severe risks associated with illicit liquor is methanol poisoning. Methanol, often used as a cheaper alternative to ethanol in the production of bootleg alcohol, is highly toxic. Even small amounts can lead to devastating health consequences. Symptoms of methanol poisoning include nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and, in more extreme cases, blindness or death. In the case of the Bihar tragedy, it is suspected that methanol-contaminated alcohol was the culprit, though the official cause of death will be confirmed only after autopsy reports are released.

The Way Forward

The recurring incidents of hooch tragedies call for a re-evaluation of Bihar’s alcohol ban and the state’s approach to regulating the sale and consumption of alcohol. While prohibition may have reduced some social problems, it has also given rise to an unregulated market that puts people’s lives at risk. A more effective approach might include stricter enforcement of laws against bootlegging, public awareness campaigns about the dangers of illicit liquor, and more affordable access to regulated alcohol.

Bottomline

The Bihar hooch tragedy that has claimed 35 lives is a grim reminder of the dangers of illicit liquor. Despite the state’s best efforts to impose a prohibition, the unregulated alcohol market continues to thrive, putting countless lives at risk. Until there is a comprehensive strategy that addresses both the demand for alcohol and the illegal supply, such tragedies will continue to occur. Public health initiatives, stricter enforcement, and community education are crucial steps in preventing future loss of life due to toxic alcohol.