Liquor bottle near CM residence sparks row

Patna: Ten empty liquor bottles were allegedly found near the CM’s residence in Patna, triggering a political row on Friday. One bottle was lying on the ground, while the remaining bottles, wrapped in paper, were kept inside a cloth bag. After receiving information, Sachivalaya SHO Gautam Kumar reached the spot with his team and removed the bottles.

ADG (law & order) Sudhanshu Kumar said strict action would be taken in the matter and that police had already initiated action based on the information received.

The recovery triggered strong political reactions. Rohini Acharya, daughter of RJD chief Lalu Prasad, questioned how liquor bottles could reach an area near the CM’s residence despite prohibition being in force in the state.

Responding to the allegations, BJP spokesperson Neeraj Kumar defended the prohibition policy and said Bihar became liquor-free after the Nitish Kumar govt’s decision in 2016. He also accused the previous RJD regime of allowing liquor mafia and criminal activities to flourish openly.

Minority welfare minister Jama Khan said the govt was keeping a watch on those involved in illegal activities and action would be taken against offenders.