Why in News
Jhamindra Rai, a village guard, was killed in December 2024 in Bihar's Gopalganj district.
His family suspects the liquor mafia was responsible for his death due to his involvement in reporting illegal liquor trade.
Over two dozen village guards have been killed since Bihar's prohibition law was enacted in 2016.
Prohibition Policy & Its Challenges
Bihar enforced a prohibition law in 2016, banning alcohol to curb consumption and related issues.
Village guards, who are responsible for reporting crimes like illegal liquor trade, face threats from both the police and liquor mafia.
Many guards are killed for their involvement in exposing the illegal alcohol trade.
The government and police fail to provide adequate support to the families of deceased guards, leaving them in financial and emotional distress.
Way Forward
Authorities need to improve the security and protection of village guards to ensure they can safely perform their duties.
The government should provide faster and more consistent compensation to the families of the guards killed in the line of duty.
There is a need for better law enforcement to deal with the illicit liquor trade and hold criminals accountable.
Prohibition laws must be implemented more effectively, with stronger safeguards for those at risk of violence from the liquor mafia.
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