Jharkhand leads India in spurious liquor deaths; state takes drastic measures to combat illegal trade

Ranchi: Jharkhand recorded the highest number of deaths linked to the consumption of spurious liquor, accounting for 84 out of 421 deaths recorded nationwide, according to the recent report on ‘Accidental Deaths and Suicide in India 2024’ released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

Jharkhand was followed by Uttar Pradesh with 58 cases, Himachal Pradesh with 42, and Bihar with 39. Despite retaining the top spot from 2023, the total number of deaths in the state plummeted by more than half in 2024 compared to the previous year.

An analysis of data over the last five years indicates that Jharkhand has consistently remained among the top five states for such fatalities. The state occupied the top position for both 2023 and 2024.

In 2023, Jharkhand was the primary contributor to the national figure, recording 194 deaths out of a total of 522. The state occupied the fifth spot in both 2022 and 2021, with 55 and 60 deaths respectively, while in 2020, it ranked second with 139 fatalities.

The excise department has intensified its offensive against the sale of illegal liquor. Rajneesh Kumar, general manger (operations) at Jharkhand State Beverages Corporation Ltd, said that the department is conducting regular reconnaissance and raids across various districts, including Ranchi, Bokaro, and Dhanbad, to curb illegal liquor trade.

Joint commissioner of excise, Gajendra Kumar Singh, emphasised that district-level officers have been empowered to investigate, register cases and execute arrests. “Raids are conducted on a regular basis based on specific intelligence and tips received,” Singh said.

The scale of enforcement is reflected in recent figures. In 2025-26, 8,460 raids led to 341 arrests and imposition of fines totalling Rs 2.33 crore. In 2024-25, 9,876 raids were conducted, resulting in 535 arrests and imposition of fines of Rs 2.32 crore.