Bihar hooch tragedy: Death toll rises to six as one more person dies

Bihar hooch tragedy death toll rises to six; investigations ongoing amid political backlash and arrests linked to spurious liquor.

The toll in the Bihar hooch tragedy rose to six on Saturday (March 4, 2026) after one more person who had consumed spurious liquor in East Champaran district died, officials said.

The first death in the incident was reported on Thursday (March 2, 2026).

At least 12 people have been arrested in connection with the deaths in Turkauliya and Raghunathpur areas of Motihari, District Magistrate Saurabh Jorwal said.

A case of murder has been registered on the basis of complaints filed by the family members of the deceased, police said.

They also said that at least four people were still hospitalised, while seven have been discharged after treatment.

The district magistrate told PTI, "The toll has mounted to six, and the bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination. The exact cause of the deaths can only be known after the reports arrive." Turkauliya police station SHO has already been suspended for dereliction of duty. A special investigation team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the incident.