PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar says that compensation will not be given to the kin of the people who died in the Chhapra hooch tragedy. He clarified his stance in the issue while speaking in the assembly. The death count in the tragedy in Saran district after consuming spurious liquor has soared to 53.

"No compensation will be given to people who died after drinking.We have been appealing- if you drink, you will die. ", said Nitish Kumar in the state assembly on Friday.

Nitish Kumar’s statement to the media persons on Thursday had sparked controversy. “If someone consumes spurious liquor, they will die", he said.

People who consumed alcohol from various bars in Chhapra in Saran district became unwell and later died. 12 persons had died in the hooch tragedy that happened here four months ago. The opposition protested in the assembly against Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as such incidents are repeating in Bihar where liquor ban has been implemented. Former Deputy Chief Minister B Tarkishore Prasad alleged that the liquor ban implemented in the state was a failure and that the nexus of local police and liquor mafia are behind this. Nitish Kumar reiterated his stance in the assembly even as the opposition continues protest on the issue.