The Madhya Pradesh administration has intensified its crackdown on the alleged illicit liquor network in Banda area of Sagar district, following a toxic liquor tragedy that left several people dead and triggered widespread alarm across the region.

Acting on state Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav’s strict directives, authorities have begun bulldozing action against alleged illegal properties and encroachments linked to suspected liquor operators. Five key locations connected to the accused have reportedly been identified for action, including alleged illegal houses and warehouses belonging to Manish Lodhi, Chandrabhan Rajput and Ashish Sahu.

Toxic liquor deaths trigger massive crackdown

The crackdown follows reports of people falling seriously ill and dying after allegedly consuming spurious liquor in several villages of Banda tehsil. Initial reports put the death toll at between nine and 11, while subsequent reports said the number had risen to 12 or more.

Post-mortem findings have pointed towards methanol poisoning in several of the deaths. A large number of people were admitted to hospitals following the incident, with critically ill patients receiving treatment at Sagar’s Bundelkhand Medical College (BMC) and other healthcare facilities.

Some patients reportedly suffered impaired vision and other serious symptoms associated with toxic poisoning, adding to concerns over the scale and severity of the suspected illicit liquor operation.

Probe widens over alleged Lalitpur link

Investigators are also examining a suspected Uttar Pradesh connection in the supply of spurious liquor. Reports have suggested that fake liquor bottles bearing counterfeit labels and QR codes may have been supplied from Lalitpur at relatively low prices.

However, Lalitpur Police have questioned some of the claims surrounding the alleged connection before the investigation is completed. Authorities are therefore examining the evidence and tracing the suspected supply chain rather than limiting the probe to Banda.

The investigation is aimed at identifying those involved in the manufacture, distribution and sale of the alleged spurious liquor.

Accused face mounting action

Police have registered cases against several people in connection with the incident, with multiple arrests reported. The scope of the FIR was subsequently widened, and several more people were reportedly taken into custody.

Administrative action has also been initiated against officials in Banda following the tragedy.

Meanwhile, Ram Singh Lodhi, who was named as an accused in the case, reportedly died after his health deteriorated a day after the FIR was registered. His family has raised questions over the role of the police, and the circumstances surrounding his death are also being investigated.

CM Dr Mohan Yadav vows zero tolerance

CM Dr Mohan Yadav has adopted a stringent position on the manufacture and sale of illicit and toxic liquor, directing officials to take firm action against those responsible.

The Chief Minister has maintained that no one endangering public health or playing with people’s lives will be spared. Following his directives, the Sagar administration has now moved against alleged illegal properties and encroachments on government land linked to those suspected of involvement in the liquor trade.

Five locations face bulldozer action

The administration has identified five major locations for action, including alleged illegal houses and warehouses associated with Manish Lodhi, Chandrabhan Rajput and Ashish Sah.

The latest action sends a strong message that the government intends to dismantle the alleged illicit liquor network through coordinated action by the police, district administration and Excise Department.

With the investigation continuing, authorities are now attempting to trace the suspected supply chain and identify every individual allegedly involved in the network.