8 deaths in 3 months: Poisoned liquor, curse rumours grip Chhattisgarh village

Eight people have died in Kharve village in Chhattisgarh amid competing claims over the cause. Police are awaiting post-mortem and toxicology reports as fear and rumours spread through the area.

In Short

• Police exhumed seven buried bodies for forensic and toxicology tests
• Villagers suspect poisoned liquor allegedly mixed with toxic borax substance
• Rumours expanded into hidden treasure, black magic, conspiracy theories

The deaths of eight villagers in a span of just three months in Kharve village of Chhattisgarh’s Baloda Bazar district have triggered fear, suspicion and one of the state’s most intriguing ongoing investigations. What began as isolated deaths has now evolved into allegations of poisoned liquor, hidden treasure, black magic rituals and a possible larger conspiracy — although police insist that no conclusions can be drawn until forensic reports are received.

According to villagers, eight people died between February 6 and May 14 under circumstances they describe as strikingly similar. The victims include Badri Prasad Patel, Butalu Sahu, Chhatturam Sahu, Budhram Jaiswal, Vinod Sahu, Gajanand Manjhi, Chaituram Sahu and Mahetru Sahu.

Seven bodies had been buried near the Mahanadi River while one was cremated.

Following mounting pressure from villagers, police exhumed Mahetru Sahu’s body on June 13 and later exhumed six additional bodies on June 16.

Samples have been sent to Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital in Raipur for postmortem, viscera and toxicology analysis.

POISONED LIQUOR THEORY GAINS GROUND

The strongest allegation emerging from the village is that liquor allegedly supplied by a local resident, Ramsay Jaiswal, may have been mixed with a poisonous substance locally referred to as “Suhaga” or borax.

Villagers claim the victims had consumed alcohol shortly before falling ill or dying. Panchayat representative Mayaram Navrange said similarities in the deaths led residents to suspect foul play rather than coincidence.

One villager, Kartik, claimed he survived after consuming liquor allegedly connected to the case.

According to him, he suffered severe vomiting and lost consciousness before receiving treatment.

Another resident alleged he had been offered alcohol on the day one victim died but refused, later noticing the deceased near the suspect’s shop.

These claims remain unverified and police have not confirmed poisoning as the cause of death.

TREASURE HUNT, BLACK MAGIC RUMOURS

As investigations widened, speculation in the village moved beyond poisoning.

Several residents alleged that Ramsay Jaiswal frequently spoke about hidden treasure buried underground and discussed rituals that could help uncover it.

Villagers further claimed rice collected during religious ceremonies and unusual conversations about rituals added to fears of occult practices.

Rumours soon escalated into theories involving black magic and ritual sacrifice.

Some residents also alleged that more villagers may have been intended targets and claimed that a total of 21 individuals were part of a supposed plan.

According to local accounts, suspicion intensified after one survivor fell seriously ill.

Police, however, have publicly stated that no evidence has been found so far linking the deaths to occult activity, treasure hunting or ritual practices. Investigators have also not confirmed the existence of any alleged target list.

Adding another layer to the controversy, two audio clips have surfaced in which Ramsay Jaiswal is allegedly heard discouraging villagers from approaching police.

The recordings have not been independently verified and authorities have not commented on their authenticity.

VILLAGE AWAITS SCIENTIFIC ANSWERS

Before suspicions of poisoning emerged, villagers reportedly believed the deaths were linked to divine anger and conducted prayers and traditional rituals. When fatalities continued, residents demanded official intervention.

Family members of the victims have since demanded strict action and, in some cases, a CBI inquiry.

Baloda Bazar Superintendent of Police OP Sharma said statements are being recorded and evidence collected, but stressed that the cause of death remains unclear.

For now, Kharve remains suspended between fear, rumours and unanswered questions.

The postmortem and toxicology reports are expected to determine whether the deaths resulted from poisoning, criminal conspiracy, natural causes or something else entirely. Until scientific findings emerge, the village’s most troubling mystery remains unresolved.

- Ends
With inputs by Deependra Shukla