Violent Clash: Liquor Smugglers Attack Police Team in Bihar's Prohibition Zone, Leaving 5 Officers Injured

Prohibition continues to be a contentious issue across the state

In a shocking incident, liquor smugglers in 'dry' Bihar confronted and attacked a police team during a planned raid, resulting in injuries to at least five officers.

Following intelligence information, police personnel were approaching Bhith village in Begusarai district on Friday when they were suddenly surrounded by liquor smugglers and local villagers. The attackers pelted bricks and stones at the officers, injuring five personnel, including two women constables and a security guard. The assailants damaged a police vehicle by breaking its windows and fired three shots toward the police team.

Official Akram Khan reported that police discharged five rounds in the air as a defensive measure and called for reinforcements. Additional forces arrived promptly at the scene and managed to stabilize the situation.

Several individuals have been detained in connection with the incident.

Prohibition, which bans both selling and consuming alcohol, remains a controversial policy in Bihar, where the first phase of Assembly elections is scheduled for November 6, just under two weeks away.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar implemented prohibition in 2016, with goals of enhancing public safety, decreasing domestic violence, and improving social and health conditions. The policy has shown positive results in certain areas and has provided political advantages for Kumar, with his Janata Dal (United) gaining increased support among female voters.

Opposition parties have criticized the prohibition policy, citing not only revenue losses but also increased corruption and the emergence of liquor mafias. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, currently representing the opposition Mahagathbandhan alliance as their chief ministerial candidate, has suggested a potential review of the policy, while Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor has made a stronger commitment to immediately repeal it if elected to power.