SAMASTIPUR, Jan. 9 -- A suspected hooch tragedy in Bihar's Samastipur district claimed the life of a 60-year-old man and left his son visually impaired after they allegedly consumed illicit liquor to mark the New Year, officials said on Thursday. The incident occurred on January 3 in Bakhri Buzurg village under Musrigharari police station, but a first information report (FIR) was registered four days later, on January 7, after the victim's family approached the police. According to the FIR, Baleshwar Sah (60) died, while his son Bablu Kumar Sah (36), lost vision in both eyes after consuming the same liquor. The father and son had purchased four packets of illicit liquor allegedly from a local bootlegger, Arvind Kumar Sah alias Bantha, on January 1. Bablu reportedly made the payment through UPI. "They consumed three packets between them, after which, the health condition of both the father and son deteriorated, following which they were admitted to a private hospital on January 1. They were discharged the same day and stayed at home on January 2," said Sanjay Pandey, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), Samastipur. "However, their condition worsened again on the night of January 2, and family members took them back to a private hospital on January 3. Baleshwar Sah died during treatment the same evening, while his son was referred to Patna for advanced medical care, the ASP added. The family performed the last rites of the deceased without informing the police. After Bablu was discharged from hospital, his wife Radha Devi submitted a written complaint at Musrigharari police station, leading to the registration of the FIR. Family members later claimed that the packaging indicated the liquor had expired nearly six months earlier. A raid was conducted at the accused's residence, but he was absconding. Samastipur superintendent of police (SP) Arvind Pratap Singh said on Thursday, "During inquiry and interaction with the victim, allegations have been made against a neighbour, Arvind Kumar Sah," he said. The SP added that preliminary investigation revealed that both the victim's family and the accused had previous cases registered against them under excise laws. "The information about the incident was provided with considerable delay. It is also being examined why, if the case was medico-legal in nature, the local police were not informed when treatment was being provided by a local doctor," Singh said. He said teams from the anti-liquor task force (ALTF), excise department and prohibition unit were jointly investigating the matter. "The chowkidar of the area has been suspended for delay in information sharing, and a departmental inquiry has been ordered against the sector officer," the SP added. Radha Devi told police that she was unable to approach authorities earlier due to the family being preoccupied with medical treatment and funeral arrangements. "Our family has been destroyed," she said in her statement. No post-mortem examination was conducted on the deceased, police confirmed. Meanwhile, Bihar BJP president, Sanjay Saraogi during a visit to Samastipur on Thursday, reiterated that the state government remained committed to enforcing prohibition and assured strict action against those involved in the illegal sale of liquor....