Chasing illicit liquor traders, cops land in Bihar village. 50 locals jump into river, 2 drown

A police crackdown on alleged illicit liquor trade in Beherawan Chakia Musahri village, Bihar, led to a tragic incident where around 50-60 locals jumped into the Punpun river to evade arrest. Two individuals lost their lives in the river, and their bodies were recovered the following day. The operation, which began after an attack on a police team two days prior, saw teams from four police stations and armed forces descending on the village.

The police claimed to have arrested 39 accused, seized 1,000 litres of illicit liquor, and recovered equipment used for production; however, local residents accused the authorities of triggering panic in the village, leading to the mass river jump. The incident occurred under Pipra police station in Patna district, with local residents alleging that police entered homes and took belongings.

Two deceased, Akash Manjhi and Ram Manjhi, were placed on the Bihta-Sarmera road by locals, causing a blockage and law-and-order situation.