A suspected spurious liquor tragedy in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district has left several people dead and dozens hospitalised, triggering an extensive medical screening and police investigation in villages under Banda tehsil. The reported death toll has changed as authorities continue to verify cases, with later reports putting it at 12, while earlier official and media updates had cited 10–11 deaths. 

The affected villages include Nauraj, Ghoogra Khurd, Baraj and Bamura Bheda. Residents reportedly developed serious symptoms after consuming suspected illicit liquor on Saturday evening. More than 30 people have been taken to hospitals, with several requiring treatment at higher medical centres in Sagar. 

Methyl Alcohol Poisoning Suspected

Health officials have indicated that methyl alcohol poisoning is suspected, although the exact cause of death will be established through post-mortem examinations and further investigation.

Sagar Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Devesh Pateriya said patients were initially stabilised at Banda Civil Hospital before being referred to Bundelkhand Medical College and the District Hospital in Sagar. Medical teams have also been conducting door-to-door screening in the affected villages to identify people who may have consumed the suspected liquor.

The symptoms reported among some patients have heightened concern over possible toxic alcohol exposure. Authorities have urged anyone who consumed liquor in the affected villages during the last 24–48 hours and subsequently developed symptoms to seek immediate medical evaluation.

Police Probe Possible Lalitpur Link

The investigation has also widened beyond Sagar, with police examining a suspected supply link to Lalitpur in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh.

Preliminary investigation, according to reports, indicates that an alleged network may have been manufacturing counterfeit liquor in Lalitpur and supplying it at low prices to villages in Sagar and nearby areas. Several people have reportedly been detained for questioning as investigators attempt to establish the source and distribution chain. 

The alleged interstate connection remains part of the investigation and should not be treated as conclusively established until authorities complete the probe.

Liquor Shops Sealed, Samples Collected

Following the deaths, authorities moved to contain any further risk. Liquor outlets in and around the affected area have been sealed as a precaution, while samples are being collected for laboratory examination.

Senior administrative and police officials, including Collector Pratibha Pal and Superintendent of Police Anurag Sujania, visited the affected villages and hospitals. Teams have been deployed to trace other possible consumers and assess the situation. 

The administration is also examining whether additional people may have consumed the same liquor but have not yet reported symptoms.

CM Mohan Yadav Orders Strict Action

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has directed officials to investigate the incident and take strict action against those found responsible. The government has said that such incidents will not be tolerated. 

Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda also said those responsible would not be spared, while officials from the excise and police departments have been directed to investigate the suspected illegal liquor network.

Opposition Seeks High-Level Inquiry

The incident has triggered political reactions in Madhya Pradesh. Congress state president Jitu Patwari has questioned the alleged presence of an illegal liquor network and demanded a high-level investigation.

Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar has also sought an immediate inquiry and called for action against those responsible. Congress leaders have raised questions over enforcement against illegal liquor sales and demanded assistance for the families of those who died.

However, allegations of official protection or administrative negligence remain political claims and require independent verification.

Screening Underway as Toll Could Rise

With medical teams continuing screening in the affected villages, authorities remain concerned that additional cases could emerge. Earlier reports said around three dozen people from the affected areas had been taken to hospital, with more than 25 subsequently referred to medical facilities in Sagar.

The administration has appealed to residents not to ignore symptoms after consuming liquor and to report immediately to health teams or the nearest medical facility.

The immediate priority remains identifying everyone who may have consumed the suspected liquor, providing emergency treatment and establishing through forensic and post-mortem evidence what caused the deaths.

Kharve Village Under Shadow of Fear

In a remote corner of Chhattisgarh’s Balodabazar district, the small village of Kharve has been gripped by suspicion and grief following eight mysterious deaths over the past few months. Local residents have raised serious allegations of deliberate poisoning through laced liquor, while unverified whispers speak of human sacrifice linked to a supposed buried treasure.

Police and administration officials acted swiftly on Saturday after receiving complaints from affected families. A team reached the village and exhumed the body of one of the deceased, 40-year-old Mehtaru Sahu, from his grave in the presence of villagers and family members. Samples were collected for forensic examination as authorities seek to determine the exact cause of the deaths.

 Allegations Point to Laced Liquor

According to villagers, the deaths began occurring from February 2026 onwards. They claim that Ramsay Jayswal, a local resident, allegedly offered poisoned liquor to several people, leading to a chain of fatalities. One survivor reportedly fell ill after consuming the drink but recovered after hospital treatment, prompting the community to approach the Kasdol police station with a written complaint.

The deceased have been identified as Badri Patel, Butalu Sahu, Chhaturam Sahu, Budlu Jayswal, Vinod Sahu, Gajanan Manjhi, Chaitu Sahu, and Mehtaru Sahu. Most were in the 40-50 age group. Mehtaru Sahu’s death on May 14 became a turning point when grieving relatives and villagers demanded action.

 Exhumation and Forensic Push

On Saturday morning, heavy machinery and police personnel were seen at the burial site. The exhumation of Mehtaru Sahu’s body was carried out carefully under official supervision. Forensic samples have been sent to a laboratory for detailed analysis, including tests for possible toxins. Police officials stated that a clear picture will emerge only after the postmortem and forensic reports arrive.

“Every aspect of the case is being thoroughly investigated,” said SDOP Kasdol Kaushal Kishore Vasnik. He emphasised that the probe is examining multiple angles based on the complaints received.

 Village Rumours of Buried Treasure

Amid the tragedy, a more sinister narrative has taken root among some villagers. They allege that Ramsay Jayswal was attempting to unearth a hidden treasure (locally called ‘hunda’) buried in the ground and may have been involved in ritualistic sacrifices. However, officials have not confirmed these claims, describing them as unverified local talk at this stage.

Such stories, though common in rural folklore, have added to the atmosphere of fear and mistrust in the village. Many families are now wary of sharing drinks or accepting hospitality from certain individuals.

 Families Demand Justice

The affected families have appealed for a fair and impartial investigation. They want swift action against those responsible and have expressed frustration over the delay in uncovering the truth. Several villagers gathered at the police station earlier and submitted a formal complaint detailing the sequence of events.

Local authorities have assured the community that no stone will be left unturned. Interrogations of residents and key individuals are underway to piece together the timeline and circumstances surrounding each death.

Background of the Area

Balodabazar district, like many parts of central Chhattisgarh, is primarily agrarian with tight-knit village communities. Incidents involving spurious liquor have been reported in the past across the state, often linked to illegal brewing or adulteration. However, a cluster of eight deaths in one village is highly unusual and has drawn significant attention from district officials.

Health and revenue department teams have also visited the area to assess the situation and provide support to grieving families. Counselling and awareness drives about the dangers of illicit liquor may be stepped up in the coming days.

What Lies Ahead

As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on scientific evidence. Police are collecting statements and cross-verifying details provided by complainants. The forensic results, expected in the coming weeks, will be crucial in determining whether the deaths were due to poisoning, natural causes, or other factors.

For now, Kharve village remains on edge. Residents hope that the authorities’ intervention will bring clarity and closure to a series of tragic events that have shaken their community to the core. Further updates are awaited as the probe deepens.