The death toll in the Bihar hooch tragedy rose to 25 on Thursday, with more fatalities expected, said officials.

"As many as twenty people in Maghar and Auriya panchayats in Siwan district have so far died for consuming suspected illicit liquor," Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Saran range, Nilesh Kumar told PTI.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar reviewed after spurious liquor deaths in Siwan and Saran. He directed a thorough investigation. This incident has sparked political controversy. Tejaswi Yadav criticized the CM and accused him of poor governance.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said there was a so-called liquor ban in Bihar but liquor was available at every square and intersection

According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office, the CM directed the Bihar Director General of Police (DGP) to personally monitor the situation and ensure that “strict action is taken against those involved in the crime”.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday slammed the NDA government over fatalities in Bihar's Siwan and Saran districts due to consumption of spurious liquor, saying liquor ban is in force i

PATNA: The death toll of hooch incidents in Bihar’s Siwan and Saran districts has risen to 26, officials said on Thursday. While 20 people died after consuming illicit liquor in Siwan district, six lost their lives in a similar incident in Saran district.