A day after facing protests in the Bihar Assembly over liquor deaths in the state, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday said those who drink alcohol will die.
Addressing the media on Chhapra hooch tragedy that has claimed 38 lives so far, Nitish Kumar said, “Logo ko sachet rehna chahiye, jo sharab piyega wo marega [Those who drink liquor will die. People should be careful].”
At least 38 people have died in different villages in Chhapra district after allegedly drinking spurious liquor, and more deaths are feared. Sale and consumption of alcohol was completely banned in Bihar by the Nitish Kumar government in April 2016.
Recalling past instances of liquor deaths, the Janata Dal United chief said, “Last time, when people died due to spurious liquor, someone said they should be compensated. If someone consumes liquor, they’ll die. An example is before us.”
A day earlier, Nitish Kumar fumed in the assembly as BJP MLAs tried to target him over the Chhapra hooch tragedy. He shouted: Kya ho Gaya, jehrili sharab, halla kar rahe ho tum log. Sharabi ho gaye ho tum.
This was the second Bihar assembly session after Nitish Kumar ditched the BJP and formed a government with the RJD in August.