Jhapa, April 18
With a ban on production and consumption of alcohol in effect in Bihar from April 1, an increasing number of Bihari people are crossing over into bordering Nepali territories to get their fill. As per a new legislation, those brewing or consuming liquor in Bihar face a fine of INR 1 lakh to 5 lakh and prison term of up to 10 years.
With no such ban in effect in Nepal, bordering Nepali market areas have become a haven for alcoholics from Bihar.
A local from Lasuna, Jhapa, said locals as well as police officials from Bihar visit Nepal for boozing.
In the wake of the ban in Bihar, locals have started opening hotels in Lasuna and Jhapa Bazaar, targeting alcoholics from Bihar.
After the ban, Indian Border Security Force officials have started subjecting Indian nationals, on their way home after visiting Nepali territories, to checks to ascertain whether they are drunk. Locals say BSF personnel thrash drunk Indians and subject them to other forms of punishment as well.
