BHABUA, Sept. 13 -- Hundreds of angry women armed with sticks and brooms blocked the Kudra-Parsathuan state highway in Bihar's Kaimur district on Friday, shouting slogans against the liquor mafia and local police, officials said. The protest took place near Matbarpur village under Kudra police station. Holding hundreds of empty liquor packets and cans discarded by drunkards, the women accused the police, excise department, and especially the village chowkidar of colluding with liquor smugglers and sellers. Their school-going children also joined the agitation. Agitating women - including Laxmina Devi, Rinku Devi, Urmila Devi, and Munni Devi of Matbarpur - alleged that liquor was being sold openly in Matbarpur, Jagdishpur, and other villages and markets in the area, while officials responsible for enforcing prohibition remained silent. They said the "menace" was damaging the health and livelihood of families and destroying their children's future. The protesters demanded immediate action against the chowkidar, raids on the premises of smugglers and sellers, and strict punishment for those involved in the illegal trade. Following the highway blockade, Mohania Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Pradeep Kumar reached the spot. The protest was withdrawn only after he assured the women of firm action against the chowkidar and liquor mafia. "Raids have been launched against those named by the women. It was found that the chowkidar was aware of the illegal business but failed to inform the local police or senior officials. Action is being taken against him," the SDPO said. Women-led stirs against liquor sales and addiction had prompted chief minister Nitish Kumar to declare Bihar a dry state in 2016....