'Hooch' claims 12 lives in Bihar; 2 held

PATNA: As many as 12 people died in a suspected hooch tragedy in Saran and Siwan districts, while more than eight fell ill and were admitted in hospitals, reports Kshitiz. Nine persons died in Siwan and three in Saran. Officials said victims had consumed locally brewed liquor, which allegedly contained harmful chemicals.

Saran DM Aman Samir said, "Two of the deceased have been identified as Islamuddin Ansari and Shamshad Ansari, while the identity of the third could not be verified." According to police sources, the liquor came from Maghar Kaudiya village in Siwan. Ibrahimpur village, located on the border of Siwan and Saran, is 5km away from Maghar Kaudiya.

"Two persons have been arrested for allegedly smuggling the liquor. No trace of liquor was found in Shamshad's autopsy report. An SIT has been formed to probe the suspicious hooch deaths," Samir added.