Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi
By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Four people have died and at least 15 others remain in a critical condition after allegedly consuming a toxic beverage in Motihari, in East Champaran district of Bihar. The incident has now taken a political turn, with Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi raising concerns over the implementation of prohibition in the state.
Manjhi said that while prohibition is a sound policy, there appear to be flaws in its execution. “It is the government’s responsibility to make laws, but ensuring their proper implementation is a collective duty,” he remarked.
According to reports, all the deceased had consumed the suspected poisonous drink, after which their health deteriorated suddenly. Despite being rushed to hospital by their families, they could not be saved. Police and administrative teams reached the spot soon after receiving information and have intensified the investigation. Meanwhile, Turkaulia police station in-charge Umashankar Manjhi has been suspended.
Speaking to the media on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar moving to the Rajya Sabha, Manjhi said the decision was voluntary. “We have four Houses, and he had not been a member of the Rajya Sabha so far. Now he is moving there,” he said, extending his best wishes to the Chief Minister.
On the reported open firing incident involving HAM party spokesperson Danish Rizwan, Manjhi stated that the matter is sub judice and that Mr Rizwan would present his own clarification. “There is a difference between allegations and proven charges. If the allegations are found to be true, action will certainly be taken,” he added. Mr Rizwan had earlier denied the charges, claiming that the viral video of the firing was AI-generated.
The Motihari tragedy has sparked a wider debate, with opposition voices questioning the enforcement of prohibition laws, even as the death toll and number of critically ill victims raise serious concerns.
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