In Bihar, horse used to smuggle liquor is now evidence in the case
Vaishali, Bihar – May 2025: Police in Bihar caught a horse smuggling liquor in a dry district. The unusual case grabbed attention as authorities registered the horse as evidence in the case.
This story reveals how smugglers keep finding creative ways to bypass Bihar’s strict liquor ban. It also shows the challenges police face enforcing prohibition laws.
Liquor Ban in Bihar and Rise in Smuggling
Bihar banned all sale and consumption of alcohol in April 2016. The government introduced this to reduce domestic violence, improve health, and cut poverty. But the ban led to a thriving black market.
Smugglers use many tricks to transport liquor undetected. They hide it in vehicles, use underground tunnels, and now, even trained animals.
How Police Caught the Smuggling Horse
Police received a tip-off about suspicious activity near the border of Vaishali district. They found a horse roaming alone with two saddlebags.
Upon inspection, the officers discovered 30 bottles of illicit country-made liquor inside the bags.
The horse had apparently learned the route between two villages. It traveled without a rider and became part of a smuggling network.
Locals said the horse had been making these runs for weeks before police caught it. The smugglers likely thought a horse would attract less attention than a person or vehicle.
Arrest and Horse in Police Custody
Police arrested the horse’s owner, a man in his 30s. The authorities charged him under the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act.
Unusually, police kept the horse as evidence. Instead of releasing it, they placed it in custody during the investigation.
Legal and Animal Welfare Concerns
Lawyers and activists question holding a horse as evidence.
Advocate Rajeev Kumar said, “Police normally seize objects like vehicles or containers. But treating a living animal the same way is rare.”
Animal rights groups urged authorities to care for the horse properly. They say the animal is innocent and suffered because of human actions.
Smugglers Outsmarting Police
Bihar has faced many unusual smuggling methods since prohibition started. Liquor has been found hidden inside milk containers, gas cylinders, and drones.
But using a horse shows how clever smugglers have become. Experts warn that smugglers often adapt faster than police can respond.
A senior officer said, “We increased patrols, but rural routes remain tough to monitor. Animals can move easily through backroads without checkpoints.”
Public Reacts with Humor and Concern
News about the smuggling horse spread quickly on social media.
Many people joked about the horse becoming a ‘smuggling don.’ Memes and funny tweets flooded Twitter and Instagram.
One user joked, “First donkeys, now horses! What’s next? Parrots delivering rum?”
However, some criticized the ban. They said these tactics prove prohibition fails to stop illegal liquor trade.
Conclusion: A Case Highlighting Prohibition Loopholes
The horse-smuggling case symbolizes Bihar’s prohibition challenges. It shows how smugglers find loopholes and how police struggle to enforce the law.
The main question now is: what will happen to the horse? While the owner faces punishment, the animal’s role as evidence might reach the courts and set a precedent.
For now, Bihar deals with a unique case—where the ‘suspect’ cannot speak but plays a key role in the investigation.
