Sagar: A suspected toxic liquor tragedy has claimed at least 12 lives and left more than 10 others sick in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district, triggering a multi-agency probe, village-wide medical screening and the sealing of six liquor outlets as a precautionary measure.
Officials said preliminary post-mortem reports were still awaited and the precise cause of death would be established only after forensic and medical examination findings were available.
CM Vows Strict Action
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav directed an immediate inquiry into the deaths and promised the “strictest possible action” against those found responsible. He added that ministers and senior officials had been told to reach the affected area without delay, as reported by NDTV.
“I have instructed the concerned minister and officials to visit the site immediately; we will take the strictest possible action and conduct an inquiry. Our government will absolutely not tolerate such incidents,” Yadav told reporters.
Fake Liquor Allegations Surface
The incident has intensified scrutiny over the alleged circulation of illegal and counterfeit liquor in the district. Local reports indicate a liquor contractor had recently flagged the sale of a suspected fake brand marketed as “Bombay Whisky” to the excise department, but no effective action followed.
About four days before the deaths, licensed contractors reportedly raised similar concerns about illicit liquor during a meeting with excise officials, raising questions about monitoring and enforcement.
Symptoms, Screening Drive
Doctors treating the affected persons noted serious symptoms among patients, including cyanosis — a bluish discolouration of the skin — and muscle rigidity. In response, health teams have begun screening drives in surrounding villages to identify anyone who may have consumed the suspect liquor.
“Our team of doctors and the SDM team are also present in the surrounding areas, including the two identified villages of Naura and Ghugru, for screening. Anyone experiencing symptoms or who has consumed any type of liquor in the last 24 to 48 hours should get screened by a doctor,” Collector Pratibha Pal said.
Residents showing symptoms such as vomiting, headache or fever after drinking liquor have been urged to seek immediate medical help.
Chief Medical and Health Officer Devesh Pateria said the clinical picture pointed towards possible methyl alcohol poisoning, though this remained unconfirmed.
“9-10 people have died so far. Our teams of doctors and nurses are working continuously in the three affected villages, conducting door-to-door checks and identifying patients. The symptoms could indicate methyl alcohol poisoning, but this has not yet been confirmed. Patients are being stabilised here before being referred for further treatment if required. The number of deaths could increase, but teams have been working continuously,” Pateria said.
Shops Sealed, Probe On
As a precaution, six liquor shops in the area have been sealed and samples of the suspected liquor collected for testing. Police and administrative teams are tracing the liquor’s source and supply chain while examining whether the deaths were due to poisonous liquor or other factors.
Officials reiterated that the exact cause would be confirmed only after the investigation and post-mortem reports were finalised.
