NHRC issues notice to Bihar govt over hooch tragedy

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday found fault with the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government for the hooch tragedy in Saran, saying the incident indicated the failure of the implementation of the alcohol prohibition policy of the state.

Issuing notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police in Bihar after taking suo motu cognizance of media reports, the NHRC said the sale and consumption of alcohol was completely banned in Bihar in April 2016, though its implementation has been "patchy".

Also Read | Bihar hooch tragedy rocks both Houses of legislature; toll rises to 30

The Commission gave four weeks to the officials to submit "detailed" reports, including the status of the FIR, medical treatment of the victims who are hospitalised, and compensation, if any, granted to the families. It has also asked them to provide details of the action taken against the officers responsible for the tragedy.

The NHRC observed that the "contents of the media reports, if true, raise concern for human rights. Apparently, the reported incident indicates the failure of the state to implement its policy of prohibition of sale and consumption of illicit/spurious liquor in Bihar".

Quoting media reports, the NHRC said deaths have been reported across three villages under Mashrakh, Ishuapur and Amnaur police stations of Marhaura subdivision in Chhapra area.

"Police suspect that the villagers might have purchased the liquor from a common shop in these adjoining areas. The family members of the deceased have, reportedly, stated that more than 50 people had consumed country-made liquor," it said.