15 dead, 40 hospitalised after consuming spurious liquor in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar

The spurious liquor tragedy in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district has claimed 15 lives, with dozens still under treatment. Arrests, suspensions and calls for a high-level probe have intensified scrutiny of illicit liquor networks.

In Short

• Nearly 40 patients remain hospitalised, with three still in critical condition
• Police have arrested 14 of 30 accused linked to bootlegging network
• Three FIRs were filed after families lodged complaints over the incident

The death toll in the spurious liquor tragedy in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district has risen to 15 after two more victims died during treatment, police said. Nearly 40 people are still in hospital, with three of them in critical condition. One of those who died was also an accused in the bootlegging network, officials said.

Police said 14 of the 30 accused named in the case have been arrested so far, and searches are on for the others. Officials have also launched a major drive against illegal liquor traders, while the administration has appealed to people to seek immediate medical help if they develop symptoms such as vomiting, headache or fever after consuming alcohol.

Sagar Superintendent of Police Anurag Sujania told PTI Videos that 15 people have died so far in the case, including one accused. Deputy Inspector General of Police, Sagar Range, Shashindra Singh Chauhan said three separate FIRs have been registered based on complaints from the families of the victims. Three excise officers and two policemen have been suspended in connection with the incident.

A pall of gloom has descended on Gugra Khurd village in the district, where five people have died after consuming the poisonous liquor. The dead include three men from the same family — two brothers and a cousin. Villagers said 30 people from the village are still in hospital.

Jasrath Lodhi, a villager, told PTI Videos that Ujiyar Singh and Bhagwan Singh Lodhi worked in a factory in Indore and had come home for Raksha Bandhan. He said they had returned home after a long time, went to a party with friends and got drunk.

Suman Singh Lodhi, the wife of Bhagwan Singh Lodhi, is expecting another child. “My dreams are over now. There is nothing left in life. We only demand from the government administration that they help us and ban the sale of liquor so that such a tragedy does not befall anyone else,” she said.

In a letter to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar has sought a high-level inquiry into the entire matter and strict action against those responsible. He has also demanded a probe into the alleged role of senior police and excise officials and called for a special campaign against illicit liquor in the affected areas and across the state. With 15 deaths, dozens still in hospital and multiple arrests made, the administration and police are continuing action in the case.

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