Bihar: Family Brutally Assaulted for Opposing Illegal Liquor Sale; Excise Department Corruption Raises Alarming Questions

Aurangabad: Despite Bihar’s complete prohibition law being in force since 2016, the grip of liquor mafias in Aurangabad district appears stronger than ever. In a shocking incident, a family was allegedly brutally assaulted for opposing the sale of liquor outside their home, highlighting not only the reign of fear created by alcohol smugglers but also the systemic failure and corruption within the excise department.

The incident comes at a time when the state’s excise machinery itself is under serious scrutiny. Just a week ago, Excise Superintendent Anil Kumar Azad was suspended after the Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) conducted raids on his premises and accused him of amassing illegal assets worth ₹1.58 crore by misusing his official position.

Raids Expose Deep-Rooted Corruption

SVU teams carried out searches at Azad’s residences and offices in Aurangabad, Jehanabad, and Patna, recovering crucial documents related to land investments, bank passbooks, and financial transactions. The case has reinforced public perception that officials entrusted with enforcing prohibition are allegedly colluding with liquor mafias for personal gain.

Aurangabad’s proximity to Jharkhand, where liquor is legally sold, has turned the district into a major corridor for smuggling. Sources allege that excise and police teams deployed at border checkpoints often allow vehicles to pass after informal settlements, weakening enforcement and emboldening criminals.

Family Forced to Flee Home After Brutal Attack

Against this backdrop, a disturbing case has emerged from Itwa village under Haspura police station limits. Victim Khushboo Nisha, along with her husband Salam Alam and their children, approached the Superintendent of Police’s office seeking protection and justice.

Khushboo alleged that two local men had been selling liquor right outside her house. When she and her husband protested, four to five armed individuals allegedly entered their home at night via the rooftop, assaulted the entire family, and threatened to set their house on fire.

“We Were Forced to Abandon Our Home”

Salam Alam told reporters that due to constant threats from liquor mafias, he has been forced to leave his home with his six children and seek shelter elsewhere.

He further alleged that despite informing the Haspura Station House Officer, no immediate action was taken. In a desperate appeal, Salam stated that if justice is denied, the family may be driven to take an extreme step.

“This is the third time we have come to meet the SP, but we could not even get an audience. We were forced to drop our complaint in the complaint box,” he said.

Police Response

When contacted, the Haspura SHO initially claimed to have no knowledge of the incident but later assured that the matter had come to his notice and that an investigation would be conducted and necessary action taken.

Bigger Questions on Prohibition Enforcement

The incident has once again raised serious questions about the implementation of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s prohibition policy. While common citizens face intimidation and violence for opposing illegal liquor trade, enforcement agencies appear compromised by corruption and inaction.

Unless strict accountability is enforced within the police and excise departments, experts warn that prohibition will remain a law on paper, while liquor mafias continue to operate with impunity.