14 Excise Department employees were suspended in the case of death of 11 people after drinking spurious liquor containing methyl alcohol found in East Champaran, Bihar. The investigation revealed departmental negligence and not taking action on illegal smuggling.
East Champaran: After the poisonous liquor scandal in Bihar, the Prohibition and Excise Department has taken major action and suspended 14 officers and employees. Investigation revealed that no effective action was taken against illegal liquor smuggling for several months. Many arrests have been made in this case so far.
11 people died due to methyl alcohol
During April 2026, several people in Parsona, Gadaria and Balganga villages of East Champaran fell ill after drinking spurious liquor allegedly laced with methyl alcohol. 11 people died during treatment in different hospitals. This incident is being considered as the third major poisonous liquor tragedy of the year 2026 in the state.
The sick people were admitted to hospitals in East Champaran, Muzaffarpur and Patna. Considering the seriousness of the matter, questions were being raised on the functioning of the administration and excise department.
Departmental negligence revealed in investigation
The matter was investigated on the recommendation of the Deputy Commissioner of Excise and Prohibition Department, Darbhanga. After the investigation revealed negligence on the part of officers and employees of the excise department, 14 employees were suspended.
According to the report, not a single case was registered regarding illegal liquor smuggling between January and March 2026. The review conducted at the Joint Secretary level found that there were serious shortcomings in monitoring and action.
Large quantity of spirit recovered in raid
In a joint action between the police and the excise department, 50 jars were recovered, containing about 1,263 liters of spirit. These jars had labels of hydraulic oil on them, which deepened suspicion on the illegal supply network.
Seven FIRs have been registered in the matter in Turkaulia, Raghunathpur, Piprakothi and Excise police station areas. So far 11 accused have been arrested, while two people have surrendered in the court.
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