Bihar: Two die of alcohol withdrawal syndrome as they fail to get daily quota in dry state

Picture for representation only. Photo: AP

New Delhi: Two persons, including an assistant sub-inspector of the state's police died at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) and Katihar Medical College and Hospital (KMCH) after developing alcohol withdrawal syndrome. 

According to a report  in the IbnLive, the policeman who reportedly died at PMCH, after not getting his daily quota of alcohol, has been identified as Raghunandan Besra. The name of second person who died at KMCH remains unknown. 

According to the report, Besra was a habitual drinker and was undergoing treatment at PMCH for various health issues and withdrawal syndrome. doctors say that Besra's condition deteriotrated on April 7 and he died in hospital.

A native of Purnia district, Besra was posted at Kundawa-Chainpur police station of East Champaran district. He had joined the force as a constable in 1990.

Another man died at KMCH on April 8. He was referred to the hospital from a de-addiction centre. 

The liquor ban imposed by the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar has hit the tipplers hard with many exhibiting severe withdrawal symptoms.

The Bihar government had implemented a ban on sale and consumption of country-made liquor from April 1; the CM later extended the ban to IMFL and other forms of spirits as well.

A total ban meant that those who loved their drink were left with to satiate their 'thirst'. 

After Gujarat, Nagaland and Mizoram, Bihar is the fourth state to go completely dry. However, Army canteens in the state will continue to sell alcohol as earlier.