Nitish Kumar, chief minister of the northeast state of Bihar, ordered all employees of the state to take a lifelong pledge to steer clear of alcohol, The Times reports.

Mr Kumar banned alcohol in the state in 2016 on the basis that it led to higher crime rates – though the ban itself has created a thriving black market for alcohol smuggled from neighbouring states.

Police raids on weddings have been particularly controversial, especially when male police officers recently searched a bride’s room for alcohol without any women present, according to the Hindustan Times.

Mr Kumar said last week: “The liquor ban is being strictly implemented in the state. The directions have also been issued not to spare the violators.”