Second Victim Succumbs to Injuries in Alleged Liquor Mafia Beating in Sagar

Suraj Ahirwar dies after brutal assault; protests erupt in Shahpur as kin block road with body

Tension gripped Shahpur in Sagar district on Sunday after the second victim of an alleged assault by liquor mafia members died during treatment, triggering angry protests that brought traffic to a halt. 

Suraj Ahirwar (40), a resident of Ward No. 7 in Shahpur, breathed his last at a hospital on Sunday, barely 24 hours after his associate Neeraj Prajapati (38) succumbed to injuries from the same attack. The incident has sparked outrage over the growing influence of illicit liquor operators in the area and questions about local policing. 

According to police and family accounts, the two men were returning from Garhakota late Friday night after purchasing electrical fitting materials when they were waylaid. A group of 10-12 men allegedly travelling in a Bolero stopped them on the Garhakota road and attacked them, suspecting them of involvement in illegal liquor trade. 

The assailants beat both men mercilessly with sticks, lathis, and kicks. Neeraj was left unconscious on the spot, while Suraj somehow managed to escape in an injured state and reached home. On Saturday morning, Neeraj’s body was found dumped on the roadside near Baretha Baba Ghat, apparently placed there to make the death look like a road accident. 

Fatal sequence of events

Neeraj Prajapati was declared dead on Saturday. His family and locals, suspecting foul play, had earlier staged protests and even set a liquor shop ablaze in anger. Suraj, who was admitted to hospital with severe injuries, provided a statement to the police before his condition deteriorated. He identified several attackers by name before succumbing on Sunday. 

In his dying declaration, Suraj named Anshul, Chhotu, Bhagwat, Neelesh and others as those involved in the assault. He told investigators that the group abused them and continued the beating for hours till Neeraj became unconscious. 

Protests turn road into protest site

Hours after Suraj’s death, grieving family members and locals placed his body on the main road in Shahpur and blocked traffic, demanding immediate arrests and strict action. The protesters also raised slogans against the Shahpur police chowki in-charge, accusing the police of negligence, and called for his removal. 

“Arrest all the accused immediately and suspend the chowki in-charge,” became the central chant as the blockade continued for several hours. Senior police and administration officials reached the spot to pacify the crowd and assure them of prompt action. 

Sagar police have registered a case against five named accused and others under relevant sections, including murder. Multiple teams have been formed to nab the fugitives, who are absconding. 

Background and local concerns

The incident highlights the growing menace of liquor syndicates in parts of Sagar district. Residents have often complained about illegal liquor dens operating with impunity, sometimes with alleged political or police patronage. Friday’s attack appears to be a case of mistaken suspicion or rivalry, as both victims were local workers returning with legitimate electrical supplies. 

Initial reports indicate the attackers may have links to the illicit liquor business in the region. Police sources said they are examining CCTV footage from nearby areas and gathering additional witness statements to strengthen the case. 

The double tragedy has left both families devastated. Neeraj and Suraj, who were colleagues and friends, leave behind dependents who now face an uncertain future. Locals expressed fear that such brazen attacks could become routine if the accused are not brought to justice quickly. 

Police action and next steps

Sagar Superintendent of Police and other senior officers are personally monitoring the case. The administration has appealed for calm while assuring that all demands for justice will be addressed. As of now, no arrests have been reported, but police claim raids are underway at possible hideouts. 

The road blockade was eventually lifted after assurances from officials, but the tension in Shahpur remains palpable. Many shops downed shutters and streets wore a deserted look as residents waited for concrete action. 

This incident comes at a time when authorities in Madhya Pradesh have been claiming drives against illegal liquor, yet cases of mafia-style violence continue to surface in rural and semi-urban pockets. Families of the deceased have vowed to continue their fight until all culprits are arrested and the local police accountability is fixed. 

Police have urged anyone with information about the accused to come forward and assured protection to witnesses. 

The case has been transferred to a dedicated investigation team to ensure a thorough probe free from local pressures.