Freed from bars, trapped by poverty: Bihar’s SCs/OBCs turn to bootlegging, deadly consequences

By | March 17, 2025

In Bihar, the ban on liquor has created a dangerous cycle of poverty and bootlegging that is wreaking havoc on the marginalized communities of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Journalists Vipul and Alishan Jafri delve into the grim reality of how poverty drives people from these communities to engage in bootlegging, leading to the production and sale of spurious alcohol that is causing death and blindness among the poorest members of the same communities.

Despite facing arrests and being released, the individuals involved in bootlegging find themselves trapped in this dangerous trade due to the lack of viable alternatives for earning a livelihood. The ban on liquor, which was meant to improve public health and safety, has instead pushed vulnerable individuals into an underground economy that thrives on the desperation of those struggling to make ends meet.

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The journalists’ report sheds light on the harsh realities faced by those caught in this cycle of poverty and bootlegging. As spurious alcohol continues to claim lives and cause irreversible harm, the need for sustainable solutions to address the root causes of this issue becomes increasingly urgent.

The impact of spurious alcohol on the poorest members of SCs and OBCs is particularly devastating, as they are the ones who bear the brunt of the health consequences and social stigma associated with this illicit trade. The cycle of poverty and bootlegging perpetuates a cycle of suffering that is difficult to break without systemic change and support for those caught in its grip.

The journalists’ investigation highlights the urgent need for action to address the underlying issues that drive individuals to engage in bootlegging and to provide viable alternatives for earning a livelihood. By addressing the root causes of poverty and creating opportunities for economic empowerment, policymakers can help break the cycle of despair that currently plagues these marginalized communities.

As the ban on liquor in Bihar approaches its ninth year, it is clear that a more holistic approach is needed to address the complex interplay of poverty, bootlegging, and public health. The journalists’ report serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of policies that fail to consider the broader social and economic implications of prohibition.

In conclusion, the journalists’ report on the impact of poverty-driven bootlegging in Bihar’s SCs and OBCs underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and sustainable solutions to address the root causes of this issue. By prioritizing economic empowerment and social support for marginalized communities, policymakers can help break the cycle of suffering and create a more just and equitable society for all.

In Bihar, a state in India, poverty has forced individuals from Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) to resort to bootlegging as a means of survival. Despite the risks involved, such as arrests and releases, many find themselves unable to leave this illegal trade due to the lack of alternative opportunities. This stark reality was uncovered by journalists @vipul_reports and @alishan_jafri, who shed light on the dire circumstances faced by those living in these marginalized communities.

### The Cycle of Poverty and Bootlegging
The vicious cycle of poverty and bootlegging in Bihar is a harrowing tale of survival in the face of adversity. With limited access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, individuals from SCs and OBCs often find themselves trapped in a cycle of poverty that leaves them with few options to support themselves and their families. As a result, many turn to bootlegging as a way to make ends meet, despite the dangers and legal repercussions involved.

### The Impact of Spurious Alcohol
One of the most alarming consequences of bootlegging in Bihar is the production and sale of spurious alcohol, which has had devastating effects on the poorest members of these communities. The consumption of such counterfeit liquor has led to numerous deaths and cases of blindness among those who cannot afford to purchase alcohol from licensed vendors. This tragic outcome highlights the dangers of engaging in illegal activities as a means of survival, especially when it comes to substances that can have life-threatening consequences.

### The Aftermath of the Liquor Ban
Nine years after the implementation of a liquor ban in Bihar, the prevalence of bootlegging and the sale of spurious alcohol continue to plague the state. Despite efforts to curb this illegal trade, the lack of viable alternatives for those living in poverty has perpetuated the cycle of bootlegging and its associated risks. The ban, intended to improve public health and safety, has inadvertently pushed individuals from marginalized communities into even more precarious situations, where they are forced to choose between breaking the law and facing extreme poverty.

### The Role of Journalists in Exposing Injustice
Journalists like @vipul_reports and @alishan_jafri play a crucial role in shedding light on the systemic issues that drive individuals to engage in illegal activities out of sheer necessity. By bringing attention to the plight of those living in poverty in Bihar, these reporters have sparked conversations about the root causes of bootlegging and the urgent need for social and economic reforms to address the underlying issues. Their investigative reporting serves as a catalyst for change and a call to action for policymakers and community leaders to create opportunities for those most vulnerable to escape the cycle of poverty and crime.

### Conclusion
The heartbreaking reality of poverty driving individuals in Bihar’s SCs and OBCs to resort to bootlegging as a means of survival is a stark reminder of the systemic inequalities that persist in many parts of the world. As we reflect on the stories shared by @vipul_reports and @alishan_jafri, we must consider the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address the root causes of poverty and create pathways to economic empowerment for marginalized communities. Only by working together to dismantle the barriers that trap individuals in cycles of poverty can we hope to build a more just and equitable society for all.

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