The death toll in the spurious liquor tragedy which unfolded in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district a few days ago rose on Tuesday as three more people who had consumed the liquor died in hospitals, even as 13 of the 150 patients receiving treatment are said to be critical.

The reports of deaths emerged from three villages, further deepening the crisis triggered by the consumption of suspected toxic liquor sold for Rs 70 a bottle on September 7.

However, according to sources, certain discrepancies persist over the number of fatalities. Sagar District Collector Pratibha Pal confirmed that 15 people had died, while health officials at Banda Civil Hospital and Bundelkhand Medical College claimed it had climbed to 23.

Kin protest over bodies

In the aftermath of the incident, protests erupted in the area, staged by the kin of some of those who died. The families alleged that the hospital authorities refused to hand over the bodies of the victims to them.

The family of Krishna Kumar Lodhi, one of the victims, staged a protest claiming that the Bundelkhand Medical College administration was refusing to release his body despite his death having been confirmed. The medical college administration, meanwhile, refrained from commenting on the allegation.

The three victims who succumbed on Tuesday had reportedly been battling for their lives in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Bundelkhand Medical College. Following the initial deaths, the MP government had issued directives to conduct a magisterial inquiry into the suspected hooch tragedy.

14 arrested, key accused on the lam

Police said so far 14 people have been arrested in connection with the alleged supply of spurious liquor, including Karni Sena leader Chandu Raja Rajput and a village head. The alleged key accused, government contractor Manish Lodhi, is still on the run.

Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Jaiveer Singh Bhadoriya said police had raided Lodhi’s house. He claimed Lodhi is believed to be the key operator behind the production of country-made liquor.

Bhadoriya said, “Lodhi’s employee allegedly prepared the toxic liquor that led to the deaths.”

Revenue officials have also conducted surveys of the properties linked to the accused as authorities mull punitive action, including possible demolition. The sale of the suspected liquor brands has been branded.

Probe focuses on packaging, adulteration

The investigating officials are now examining whether the liquor was adulterated and how it was packaged. Three teams have collected approximately 100 samples from shops, factories and locations linked to the accused.

An official said, “Loose caps and unusual packaging were found in bottles of spurious liquor.”

Rahul Gandhi takes aim at BJP government

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Madhya Pradesh of presiding over what he called India’s ‘most-corrupt government.’

He alleged that governance had ceased to exist in the state and cited deaths linked to contaminated water in Indore and toxic cough syrup in Chhindwara.

He said, “A fair probe should be conducted, and accountability must extend beyond low-level employees to anyone whose negligence or collusion is exposed.”

Meanwhile, District Collector Pal has ordered a 10-day special de-addiction and awareness campaign across more than 100 villages until September 19. Panchayat Secretaries, patwaris, self-help groups, NGOs and cultural troupes will extend contribution in conducting street plays, meetings and door-to-door outreach to promote an addiction-free society.