Patna, Aug 31: RJD national working president Tejashwi Yadav on Monday slammed the Bihar government over the deaths of four persons who allegedly consumed spurious liquor in Patna district and claimed that the law-and-order situation in the state had collapsed.
At least four persons died after allegedly consuming spurious liquor in Patna district's Barh area on Sunday.
Describing the incident as unfortunate, Yadav said, "This is not a solitary occurrence in Bihar. Such deaths are happening persistently. The largely negligent administration should look into this matter."
The RJD leader claimed that "it is the poor people belonging to backward classes who are losing their lives" and are also being "sent to jail" on the pretext of making hooch.
He demanded a thorough investigation into the deaths.
State BJP president Sanjay Saraogi also termed the incident "unfortunate" and said the state government had ordered an inquiry.
"The alleged hooch deaths in Patna’s Barh locality are very unfortunate. The state government is serious about the issue, and has ordered an investigation. Strict action will be taken," he said.
Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) chief Upendra Kushwaha said that hooch deaths have been frequently taking place in the state, and urged people to quit liquor consumption.
"If it is spurious liquor, it leads to immediate death. Even if it is not spurious, it takes people in the direction of death. People should understand this fact and quit alcohol consumption," Kushwaha said.
He also urged the local administration to look into the matter.
