Main Accused in Motihari Hooch Tragedy Surrender in Local Court
In a significant development in the East Champaran hooch tragedy, the two primary accused, Sunil Sah and Kanhaiya Yadav, surrendered before a local court in Motihari on Monday. This surrender follows a devastating incident where their illicit liquor trade claimed nine lives and left more than ten individuals hospitalized over the past week.
Fatal Consequences of Illicit Liquor Operation
The tragic deaths occurred in the Raghunathpur and Turkaulia police station areas, with victims identified as Chandu Kumar, Pramod Yadav, Parikshan Manjhi, Hiralal Bhagat, Lalkishor Rai, Sampat Sah, Laddu Sah, Vinod Shah, and Yoddha Manjhi. Police investigations reveal that the accused were operating a widespread network selling spurious liquor at just Rs 50 per glass, exploiting vulnerable communities.
Police Investigation Uncovers Methanol Supply Chain
East Champaran Superintendent of Police Swarn Prabhat provided crucial updates on the case. Before the surrender of Sah and Yadav, two other key conspirators—Sajan Yadav alias Khalifa and Naga Rai—had already been arrested and incarcerated. The SP emphasized that the investigation has established clear connections among all accused individuals, with ongoing efforts to dismantle the entire illicit network.
During extensive police raids, authorities seized 50 drums of poisonous spirit, which laboratory tests confirmed to be methanol—a highly toxic industrial chemical dangerous to human health. Preliminary findings indicate that this methanol was sourced from outside East Champaran district, and investigators have successfully traced much of its transportation and supply chain.
Expanding Investigation and Ongoing Raids
The SP confirmed that transporters and other associates involved in the operation have been identified, with raids currently underway to apprehend them. The investigation gained momentum following the arrests of Sajan Yadav, Naga Rai, and Jammu Baitha on the night of April 3, which subsequently brought Sunil Sah and Kanhaiya Yadav under intense police scrutiny.
"Raids were conducted at multiple hideouts, creating pressure that ultimately prompted their surrender. They are now being interrogated separately to gather further evidence," added SP Swarn Prabhat. This coordinated police action demonstrates a determined effort to address the grave public health and safety concerns raised by the hooch tragedy.
