Bhopal, September 8: At least 13 people have died after allegedly consuming illicit or spurious liquor in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district, prompting the state administration to order a magisterial inquiry into the incident. Several other people are undergoing treatment, with some reported to be in critical condition.
The deaths were reported from villages in the Banda area of Sagar district after residents allegedly consumed suspected contaminated liquor. According to officials, the victims developed symptoms including vomiting and severe illness before being taken to hospitals. The exact substance responsible for the deaths is still being established, with authorities investigating the possibility of toxic or adulterated liquor.
Sagar Collector Pratibha Pal ordered the magisterial inquiry to establish what caused the incident, reconstruct the sequence of events and identify those responsible. The inquiry will also examine the manufacture, storage and distribution of the liquor and whether there were any lapses by regulatory authorities. The Jaisinagar Sub-Divisional Magistrate has been tasked with conducting the probe.
Officials said post-mortems of all 13 deceased have been completed. Several other people remain under medical observation, while health department teams have been screening residents in the affected villages and monitoring anyone showing symptoms.
The administration has also launched a wider crackdown following the tragedy. Police have registered cases against 30 people, with 14 accused arrested or detained so far, according to officials. Five government officials have also been suspended amid the investigation into possible administrative lapses.
Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda visited Sagar and met families of the deceased and patients receiving treatment. He said strict action would be taken against anyone found responsible and warned that officials would also face action if the inquiry establishes negligence.
The tragedy has triggered a political controversy in Madhya Pradesh. Opposition leaders have questioned the functioning of the Excise and Police departments and demanded accountability. Congress leaders have also raised questions over the suspected supply chain behind the liquor.
There is also a dispute over the reported death toll. While the administration has officially confirmed 13 deaths, opposition leaders have claimed that the actual number could be significantly higher. The government has rejected allegations that deaths are being concealed.
Authorities are now investigating the suspected liquor network, including its source, distribution channels and possible involvement of licensed liquor outlets or illegal suppliers. The magisterial inquiry is expected to determine the precise cause of the deaths and recommend measures to prevent a similar tragedy in the future.
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