A truck heavily loaded with illicit alcohol overturned near the Kharhat toll tax plaza under the Raniganj police station limits in Bihar's Araria district. The accident occurred suddenly along the roadside, immediately drawing the attention of residents living nearby. Taking advantage of the ensuing chaos, the truck's driver and conductor quickly fled the spot, abandoning the damaged vehicle. Word quickly circulated throughout the vicinity that the overturned cargo consisted of a substantial consignment of liquor, drawing large gatherings of people to the highway stretch.
Commotion at Accident Spot as Locals Grab Bottles
As news spread about the contents of the overturned vehicle, crowds of villagers rushed toward the location. According to visuals emerging from the spot, several individuals approached the wreckage and began pulling out liquor bottles from the carriage. What started as curiosity soon turned into a chaotic scramble, with people seen picking up bottles and carrying them away. The accident site remained crowded for an extended period, creating disorder on the roadside before authorities could intervene.
Police Launch Probe and Confiscate Cargo
Upon receiving alerts regarding the highway mishap and the subsequent disturbance, a police team arrived at the scene to disperse the crowd and secure the area. Law enforcement officials took possession of the damaged truck along with the remaining stock of liquor found inside it. An active search operation has been launched to locate and apprehend the absconding driver and conductor. Furthermore, officers are examining the vehicle registration records to identify the registered owner of the truck and determine ownership liability.
Investigation into Smuggling Supply Routes
Despite a complete prohibition on liquor in Bihar, illicit consignments frequently cross borders as smuggling syndicates employ covert methods to transport contraband from neighbouring states. Investigators are currently focused on tracing the origin of this particular shipment, seeking to uncover where the truck originated and precisely which destination or local recipients it was headed for inside Bihar. Authorities stated that comprehensive inquiries are underway to identify the complete supply chain, spanning the vehicle owner, transporters, and the broader smuggling network involved.
