The suspected spurious liquor tragedy in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district has triggered a political row, with the administration confirming 24 deaths so far while the Congress alleges that the actual toll is higher.

 A suspected spurious liquor tragedy in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district has claimed several lives, with local reports putting the death toll at around 28, while the administration has officially confirmed 24 deaths so far. Police have arrested 14 people in connection with the case and launched action against the alleged illegal liquor network.The incident has affected villages in the Banda and Shahgarh development blocks of Sagar district, where several people reportedly fell ill after consuming suspected illegal and poor-quality liquor. Many patients were admitted to hospitals for treatment.Authorities have started a multi-level response, including door-to-door surveys, village meetings and legal action against those allegedly involved in the supply of illegal liquor.

Hospital admissions reduce, but patients continue to face concerns

At Banda Civil Hospital, the number of patients arriving with suspected liquor-related health issues has reportedly started declining. However, the incident has raised concerns over illegal liquor circulation and enforcement mechanisms in rural areas.The administration has sealed several liquor outlets and started collecting samples for examination.Police teams have conducted searches in villages and taken action against people suspected of being involved in illegal liquor sales.

Congress questions official death figures

The incident has also triggered a political controversy. The Congress has accused the state government and administration of hiding the actual number of deaths.Sagar Rural District Congress Committee president Bhupendra Singh Mohasa alleged that there was a difference between the official figures and the situation on the ground. He also questioned the transparency of forensic examination of samples collected from deceased victims

The Congress has demanded that viscera samples of all deceased persons should be examined at an independent forensic laboratory in Bhopal to ensure an impartial investigation.Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also criticised the state government over the incident in a post on X, alleging governance failures and questioning previous action taken after similar tragedies.

Police action and arrests

Following the deaths, police and administration intensified action against suspected suppliers and sellers of illegal liquor.

According to officials, cases have been registered against multiple accused persons, and 14 arrests have been made so far. Authorities have also increased monitoring in affected villages to prevent further distribution of illegal alcohol.

Timeline of the incident

• September 5: Patients began arriving at Banda Civil Hospital after consuming suspected liquor. Several complained of symptoms including vomiting, body stiffness and deteriorating health.

• Following days: More patients were referred to district hospitals and higher medical facilities as their condition worsened.

• Sunday-Monday: The number of deaths increased, prompting large-scale administrative intervention.

• Tuesday onwards: Authorities reported improvement in the situation, although further deaths were recorded.

Magistrial inquiry ordered

Sagar Collector Pratibha Pal has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident.The inquiry will examine the circumstances leading to the deaths, whether consumption of substandard or illegal liquor was the actual cause, who was responsible for manufacturing and distribution, and whether any negligence occurred by regulatory departments.The investigation will also recommend steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.