PATNA:
Police in Bihar arrested 39 people, including women, during a crackdown on the illegal manufacture and sale of country-made liquor, officials said.
The operation was carried out after police teams entered a village while pursuing suspected illicit liquor traders. Around 1,000 litres of country-made liquor were seized along with equipment allegedly used for manufacturing the liquor.
The operation triggered panic among some residents, with around 50 people reportedly jumping into a river while attempting to escape. Two people drowned, according to police.
The arrests and seizures form part of continuing enforcement against the illegal liquor trade in the state, where prohibition remains in force. Police said further investigation into the network involved in the manufacture and distribution of the liquor was underway.