Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav on Wednesday reached Sagar directly from New Delhi and met people undergoing treatment after allegedly falling seriously ill following the consumption of spurious liquor.

Visiting the district hospital, CM Dr Yadav interacted with the patients and took an update from doctors on their condition. He directed officials to ensure that the affected people receive proper and comprehensive treatment, along with all necessary medical facilities.

The Chief Minister also held a meeting with administrative officials and public representatives, giving the administration a free hand to take stringent action against those responsible for the incident.

“We will take such action against the guilty that no one will dare to do anything like this again,” CM Dr Yadav told the media after meeting the patients.

‘Provision for life imprisonment, death penalty’

Explaining the legal provisions applicable to cases involving spurious liquor, CM Dr Yadav said his government had introduced stringent laws to deal with such incidents.

“During the Congress government, there were no stringent laws regarding such cases. But our government has made a law on this matter,” he said.

The Chief Minister said Sections 49-A and 304 had been incorporated into the legislation, providing for punishment ranging from charges related to murder to life imprisonment and the death penalty, depending on the circumstances of the offence.

Administration given free hand

CM Dr Yadav said officials had been given complete freedom to take the strictest possible action wherever required.

“We have given the administration a free hand to take the strictest action,” he said, adding that authorities had been instructed to act wherever further intervention was necessary.

He also directed officials to take action against illegal encroachments, wherever applicable, and asked them to coordinate with authorities in neighbouring states sharing borders with Madhya Pradesh.

“We have given instructions across the state. We will take such action against the guilty that no one will have the courage to engage in such an act again,” CM Dr Yadav said.

The Chief Minister’s visit came as the administration stepped up its response to the spurious liquor incident, with the government maintaining that those found responsible would face stringent action.

CM Dr Yadav appeals for political unity

CM Dr Yadav also said the state government was working with religious and social organisations to run campaigns aimed at discouraging alcohol consumption. “Losing a father or son in a family is extremely painful,” he said.

Appealing to Congress leaders to refrain from politicising the incident, the Chief Minister called for a united response to the crisis.

“I want to tell Congress leaders that instead of politicising such incidents, they should show solidarity. I appeal to the Leader of the Opposition that we should all face this challenge together,” CM Dr Yadav said.