10 dead after spurious liquor consumption in MP’s Sagar; 7 liquor shops sealed

Sagar (Madhya Pradesh): Ten people died and several others fell ill after allegedly consuming spurious liquor in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district on Sunday, officials said.

The deaths were reported in two villages in Banda tehsil, around 30 km from the district headquarters. A local BJP MLA, however, claimed that 11 people had died after consuming the spurious liquor.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav ordered an immediate probe into the incident and said those responsible would not be spared. The district administration also sealed seven liquor shops in the affected area as a precaution and ordered immediate sampling of liquor.

Three sent to hospital

Sagar Collector Pratibha Pal said 10 people had died after consuming illegal spurious liquor. Screening was underway in the affected villages, she said.

People reporting symptoms such as fever and headache were being shifted to the government-run Bundelkhand Medical College and Hospital (BMCH). Three people had been sent to the hospital, and none was in serious condition, the collector said.

The first death was reported in the early hours of Sunday. Preliminary autopsy reports were awaited, Pal said, adding that she could not comment on whether the death toll would rise.

Banda BJP MLA Virendra Lodhi, however, put the death toll at 11. He also said around 25 people had been shifted from Banda Civil Hospital to other hospitals for advanced treatment.

Probe ordered

CM Yadav described the deaths in the Banda-Shahgarh area as “extremely sad and unfortunate” and directed officials to conduct an immediate investigation and take strict action against those responsible.

Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda also sought an immediate report from officials and directed them to ensure prompt investigation, relief and medical treatment.

Senior officials, including the Sagar divisional commissioner, inspector general, collector and superintendent of police, visited the affected area and reviewed the situation. They also met the families of those affected and assessed medical arrangements for patients in hospitals.

Seven liquor shops sealed

As a precautionary measure, the district administration sealed seven liquor shops in the affected area and ordered immediate sampling. Officials were also directed to take strict legal action against those involved in the illegal liquor trade.

The administration appealed to anyone who had consumed liquor and developed symptoms such as vomiting, headache or fever to immediately visit the nearest health centre and undergo a medical examination.

The incident comes days after a similar spurious liquor tragedy in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar district, where 13 people died last month.