Sagar Hooch Tragedy Claims 12 Lives as Authorities Crack Down on Bootleggers
Tragic Incident in Sagar
Photo: @primeindiia/X
Sagar (MP), Sep 7: The death toll from the hooch tragedy in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, has tragically increased to 12, following the death of another individual on Monday. Nearly 30 others are currently under medical supervision, with two reported in critical condition, according to officials.
Authorities have apprehended 14 individuals out of the 30 named in the FIRs related to this incident, as part of a significant crackdown on illegal liquor operations.
Three FIRs have been filed based on complaints from the families of the victims, as stated by Sagar Range Deputy Inspector General of Police Shashindra Chouhan.
On Sunday, 11 individuals lost their lives and 54 others fell ill after allegedly consuming toxic liquor in two villages within Banda tehsil, located approximately 30 km from Sagar district headquarters.
Many affected individuals reported symptoms such as blurred vision and dizziness.
With the latest death, the toll has risen to 12, confirmed Sagar Collector Pratibha Pal.
She noted that 25 to 30 individuals are under medical observation, with two in critical condition. One patient was airlifted to Bhopal for advanced treatment.
Of the 30 accused named in the FIRs, 14 have been arrested, and efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining suspects, Pal added.
In response to the situation, police and the excise department have initiated a large-scale operation against bootleggers, gathering intelligence and conducting door-to-door checks with village representatives to ensure no one is in possession of illegal liquor.
Investigations are also underway to explore potential connections between individuals in Lalitpur, Uttar Pradesh, and local liquor contractors, according to Chouhan.
Collector Pal indicated that preliminary investigations suggest the illicit liquor originated from Lalitpur.
"There is a gang in Lalitpur responsible for supplying this hazardous liquor. Given the proximity to Uttar Pradesh, this connection has emerged during initial inquiries," she stated.
The administration has urged anyone who consumed liquor and is experiencing symptoms like vomiting, headaches, or fever to seek immediate medical attention.
In light of the tragedy, three excise officials and two police personnel have been suspended.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has mandated an investigation into the incident, emphasizing that those responsible will face consequences.