Liquor mafia attacks six policemen, excise officials in Bihar

Patna August 22 (IANS) Six policemen and excise officials were injured in an attack by a liquor mafia in Bihar’s West Champaran district on Thursday.

The incident took place in ward number 8 of Shivrajpur Panchayat, which falls under the jurisdiction of Nautan police station. The cops arrived at the village to conduct a raid, but were attacked by the liquor mafia.

The injured officers were immediately rushed to the Government Medical College and Hospital Bettiah where their condition was said to be critical. The circumstances leading to the raid and subsequent attack are being investigated by the authorities.

Manoj Kumar Singh, the Excise Superintendent of Bettiah said, “The raid was conducted following reports of liquor smuggling in the village. A combined team of police and excise officials went to the village with an intention to arrest the suspects. But as soon as the team reached, they were attacked by the mob.”

“Six police and excise department officers were attacked in the attack,” he said.

Singh stressed that authorities are determined to put an end to illegal activities in the region.

He said the suspects fled the scene but efforts are still underway to apprehend them and their identities have already been established.

“The investigation continues as authorities work to bring those responsible to justice,” Singh said.

An FIR has been registered at the Nautan police station in this regard.

Due to the ban on liquor, the mafias are active in every district of Bihar. Many cases of makeshift liquor manufacturing units and also smuggling of liquor have also come to light.