Sagar (MP)/Bhopal, September 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The death toll in the suspected spurious liquor tragedy in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district rose to 11 on Sunday, prompting Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to order a thorough investigation and the strictest possible action against those responsible.
“I have instructed the concerned minister and officials to visit the site immediately; we will take the strictest possible action and conduct an inquiry,” Yadav said.
“Our government will absolutely not tolerate such incidents,” he told IANS.
The deaths were reported from four villages after several people allegedly consumed illicit liquor on Saturday night. Around 35 people have been admitted to hospitals, with those in serious condition referred to Bundelkhand Medical College and District Hospital in Sagar.
Doctors treating the victims reported symptoms including bluish discolouration of the body and muscle stiffness.
District Collector Pratibha Pal said reports of illness and deaths allegedly linked to illicit liquor consumption had emerged since morning, with an investigation underway at the Civil Hospital. Medical teams have been deployed in the affected villages to screen people who may have consumed the suspected liquor.
Pal appealed to anyone who had consumed alcohol during the previous 24 to 48 hours to undergo immediate medical screening, particularly if they developed symptoms associated with toxic liquor consumption.
“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,” she said.
The administration has sealed six liquor shops in the area and ordered testing of liquor samples. Police and excise officials are investigating the source of the suspected liquor and those allegedly involved in its distribution.
A police official said the exact cause of the deaths would be established after post-mortem examinations, along with medical and laboratory tests.
The incident has also triggered a political confrontation. Congress state president Jitu Patwari alleged that the liquor mafia was operating with impunity and claimed that 15 people had died in the Sagar incident. His claim, however, could not be independently verified, with authorities confirming 11 deaths so far.
The tragedy comes amid the state government’s police-led “Nasha Se Doori Hai Zaroori 2.0” campaign, launched on July 15 to raise awareness against substance abuse and promote a drug-free Madhya Pradesh.
With several people still undergoing treatment and screening continuing in the affected villages, officials said the casualty figure could rise.
FOLLOW NOW
