MP Police Inspector Killed by Liquor-Laden Vehicle During Anti-Smuggling Operation in Dewas

Dewas, November 2, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

A police inspector was killed after a vehicle allegedly carrying illicit liquor ran him over during an anti-smuggling operation on the Indore-Betul highway in Madhya Pradesh’s Dewas district, police said on Monday.

The deceased was identified as Dilip Puri, Station House Officer of Khategaon police station. The incident took place late Sunday night when Puri and a police team reached the highway following information about a vehicle suspected of transporting illicit liquor.

During the interception attempt, the vehicle allegedly struck and ran over Puri, leaving him critically injured. He later succumbed to his injuries.

Police have arrested the driver and seized the vehicle along with the liquor. Investigators are examining whether the driver deliberately ran over the inspector while attempting to flee.

The killing comes amid heightened scrutiny of the illegal liquor trade in Dewas following suspected spurious liquor deaths in the district. At least 13 people reportedly died between September 27 and October 16 in Chandana and Binjana villages after allegedly consuming adulterated liquor. Several others reportedly suffered serious health complications, including loss of eyesight.

The fatalities triggered a political controversy, with the Congress accusing the state government of failing to curb the illicit liquor trade. The district administration had initially said that a link between the deaths and poisonous liquor had not been conclusively established. A high-level inquiry was subsequently ordered, while administrative action included the suspension of excise officials and the transfer of senior district officials.

Reacting to Puri’s death, senior Congress leader Arun Yadav questioned the law and order situation in Madhya Pradesh and criticised the state government.

“When even those entrusted with enforcing the law are not safe, who will protect the common people?” he asked, demanding an explanation from Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and alleging that the state had turned into a “mafia raj”.