The investigation into the suspected illicit liquor tragedy in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district has widened, with police FIRs naming around 30 people, including two licensed liquor contractors, in connection with two brands identified in complaints as ‘Bambaiya Whisky’ and ‘Sagar Gold’.

The cases relate to the Banda and Shahgarh areas, where several people fell ill after consuming liquor sold at reportedly low prices. The officially confirmed death toll stood at 13 as of September 7, according to the district administration, which has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident. However, subsequent reports citing villagers, hospital sources and cremation records put the toll as high as 22, while authorities have not officially confirmed that higher figure. 

The inquiry will establish the exact cause of death and determine whether consumption of illicit or substandard liquor was responsible for the fatalities. 

Two FIRs name licensed contractors

The first FIR, registered at Banda police station, names licensed liquor contractor Yashwant Singh Thakur in connection with the alleged sale of the ‘Bambaiya Whisky’ brand.

A second FIR at Vinayaka police station names licensed contractor Siddharth Kushwaha in connection with allegations surrounding ‘Sagar Gold’.

The FIRs also name several other individuals allegedly involved in manufacturing, transporting, supplying or selling the liquor. Police are investigating whether the two brands were part of a wider illegal distribution network operating through villages and local outlets.

Importantly, the allegations contained in the FIRs have not yet been established in court.

‘Bambaiya Whisky’ case

According to the Banda FIR, complainant Anup Singh Lodhi told police that liquor was allegedly being sold illegally in his village.

The complaint states that a new, cheaper brand was being promoted to customers. It alleges that a quarter bottle of ‘Bambaiya Whisky’ was sold for around ₹70, reportedly ₹20 below the prevailing price.

The FIR further alleges that Rajendra Lodhi consumed the liquor before falling seriously ill. He was taken first to Banda hospital and subsequently referred to Sagar, where he died during treatment.

The complaint also refers to other deaths allegedly linked to liquor consumption.

Police have named multiple individuals in the case, including Yashwant Thakur, Manish Lodhi, Ashish Sahu and several alleged sellers and intermediaries.

‘Sagar Gold’ case

A separate complaint registered at Vinayaka police station concerns another brand, ‘Sagar Gold’.

According to the FIR, a resident of Patan told police that his nephew became seriously ill after allegedly consuming liquor purchased from a local seller.

The complaint alleges that the quarter bottle was sold for ₹60, with the seller reportedly describing it as a cheaper new brand.

The man subsequently developed vomiting and other symptoms and was taken to hospital, where he died during treatment, according to the complaint.

The FIR names licensed contractor Siddharth Kushwaha along with several other people allegedly connected with the supply and sale of the liquor.

Police are now examining the alleged chain from procurement and manufacturing to transportation and retail sale.

Seven liquor shops sealed

Following the incident, the district administration sealed seven liquor shops as a precautionary measure. These include outlets in Barethi, Banda, Shahgarh, Magardha, Vinayaka, Dalpatpur and Baraytha.

Samples of liquor found at the outlets have also been collected and sent for testing. The laboratory findings are expected to be important in determining whether the liquor contained toxic or prohibited substances and whether it was connected to the deaths.

The administration's action comes amid growing questions over how allegedly illicit liquor reached consumers in the affected villages.

Magisterial inquiry ordered

Sagar Collector and District Magistrate Pratibha Pal has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident.

The inquiry will examine the circumstances surrounding the illnesses and deaths, establish the actual cause of death, identify those responsible and determine whether there were lapses by regulatory departments.

The investigation will also examine the alleged manufacturing, storage and distribution chain and whether officials responsible for liquor regulation failed to perform their duties. (The Statesman)

The administration has appointed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Jaisinagar as the inquiry officer.

UP connection remains disputed

A proposed Uttar Pradesh connection has also become a point of dispute.

Sagar police had indicated a possible link to Lalitpur in Uttar Pradesh, but officials in Lalitpur subsequently rejected the claim, describing the information circulated by Sagar police as misleading and asking for evidence to be shared if such a link exists. (Amar Ujala)

The disagreement means the source of the suspected illicit liquor remains an important part of the ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile, the tragedy has triggered political criticism in Madhya Pradesh. Congress leaders have accused the government and enforcement machinery of failing to prevent the alleged illegal liquor network. Those are political allegations and have not been established as findings of the ongoing inquiry.

Death toll and cause remain under investigation

The Sagar administration has officially confirmed 13 deaths, while the number of affected people has continued to change as authorities conduct medical screening and investigate cases from different villages. 

Reports of a higher toll have emerged from local sources, but the exact number and the medical cause of each death must be established through official records, post-mortem findings and the ongoing magisterial investigation.

The case has therefore developed into both a criminal investigation and a public-health inquiry, with authorities examining not only the suspected liquor itself but also the supply network and possible regulatory failures.

The names of the liquor brands, contractors and other individuals mentioned in this report are based on allegations and FIRs and do not constitute a finding of guilt. The officially confirmed death toll was 13 as of September 7, while reports of 22 deaths were emerging by September 8 without corresponding official confirmation. The exact cause of death and responsibility will depend on forensic, post-mortem and magisterial findings.