Patna, April 9 Following the recent spurious liquor tragedy in East Champaran, Bihar, the police have intensified their crackdown on liquor smugglers and the illegal liquor network.
Amid these ongoing operations, a fresh controversy has emerged after the death of an arrested accused during treatment.
Acchelal Paswan, who had been absconding and was recently arrested from the Ghivadhar area under the Harsiddhi police station limits on charges of illegal liquor trade, died while undergoing treatment at the Sadar Hospital on Thursday.
According to an official, Paswan’s health deteriorated in jail, prompting his admission to the hospital.
Despite medical intervention, he succumbed during treatment.
Soon after news of his death spread, family members reached the hospital and created a massive uproar.
They leveled serious allegations against the police administration, claiming that the case had been settled in exchange for money.
They alleged that adequate and timely medical treatment was not provided to Paswan, and the police action was influenced by corruption.
The deceased’s brother-in-law, Nitesh Lal Paswan, specifically accused Sudama Rai, a watchman posted at Harsiddhi police station, of taking a bribe of Rs 50,000 and still ensuring Acchelal’s arrest.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Nishant Sehara stated that strict action against the illegal liquor trade is continuing across the region.
He confirmed that the body will be handed over after the post-mortem. The matter is under investigation, and necessary legal procedures are being followed.
The Areraj range SDPO said the accused was arrested on April 3 and was in judicial custody.
He was ill and admitted to the hospital, where he died on Thursday.
The incident has led to heightened tension in the locality, especially in the backdrop of recent deaths caused by spurious liquor in East Champaran.
Authorities are maintaining a close watch on the situation while continuing their anti-liquor operations.
This development has once again raised serious questions regarding enforcement practices, custodial safety, and the handling of accused individuals during such large-scale crackdowns.
The hooch tragedy in East Champaran occurred on April 2, and 11 individuals lost their lives after consuming spurious liquor, and this was the first time that an alleged accused died during the treatment.
--IANS
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