Madhya Pradesh Toxic Liquor Tragedy: Toll Rises as 3 More Die in Sagar

Three more deaths reported in Sagar

The suspected toxic liquor tragedy in Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh has taken a further turn after three more victims died while undergoing treatment at Bundelkhand Medical College.

The latest deaths were reported from three villages as authorities continued investigating the source and distribution network of the suspected spurious liquor. According to Hindustan Times, at least 150 people have been hospitalised, while 13 patients were reported to be in critical condition.

However, there is a discrepancy over the death toll.

Sagar Collector Pratibha Pal has officially confirmed 15 deaths, while health officials at Banda Civil Hospital and Bundelkhand Medical College have put the number at 23. Madhya Pradesh minister Prahlad Singh Patel, meanwhile, said 19 people had died and announced that financial assistance would be provided to their families.

How the liquor tragedy unfolded

The tragedy came to light after people in several villages in the Banda area allegedly consumed illegally manufactured liquor and began falling seriously ill.

Earlier reports said at least 11 people died after consuming the suspected spurious liquor. Investigators have since been tracing the supply chain, including the people allegedly involved in manufacturing, transporting and selling the liquor.

According to police, some of the victims were persuaded to buy the liquor because it was around ₹20 cheaper than liquor sold through licensed outlets. Sellers allegedly assured buyers that the cheaper product was genuine and had been prepared using the same “formula” as branded liquor.

Fake branding and suspected adulteration under probe

The investigation has now moved beyond the immediate sellers to the wider supply chain.

Police teams are collecting samples from shops, factories and premises linked to the accused. Nearly 100 samples have reportedly been collected as investigators examine the packaging and possible adulteration of the liquor. Officials found loose caps and unusual packaging on some bottles.

Investigators are also examining whether the liquor was adulterated after leaving an authorised distillery or whether it was manufactured entirely through an illegal operation. So far, investigators have said they have not established adulteration at the distillery level.

14 arrested, key accused absconding

Police have arrested 14 people in connection with the suspected illicit liquor network, according to the latest investigation update.

Among those arrested is reportedly Chandu Raja Rajput, associated with the Karni Sena, along with a village head. Police are also searching for Manish Lodhi, described by investigators as a key accused and government contractor who is currently absconding.

Additional Superintendent of Police Jaiveer Singh Bhadoriya said police had raided Lodhi's residence. Investigators suspect that an employee associated with him prepared the toxic liquor. These allegations remain part of the ongoing investigation.

Families raise concerns over bodies

The tragedy has also led to protests by relatives of some victims.

The family of Krishna Kumar Lodhi, one of those who died, protested after alleging that they had not been handed over his body despite confirmation of his death. The medical college administration declined to comment on the allegation, according to the report.

The incident has added to public anger in the affected villages, where families are dealing with multiple deaths and hospitalisations.

Government orders action

The Madhya Pradesh government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the tragedy. Authorities have also banned the sale of the suspected liquor brands and begun action against people allegedly connected with the supply chain.

Sagar district administration has additionally ordered a 10-day de-addiction and awareness campaign across more than 100 villages. The campaign will involve local officials, self-help groups, NGOs and cultural groups, with door-to-door outreach and public awareness programmes planned through September 19.

Rahul Gandhi demands impartial probe

The tragedy has also triggered a political confrontation.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the Madhya Pradesh government, alleging failures in governance and demanding an impartial investigation. He said accountability should extend beyond lower-level officials if negligence or collusion is established.

The government has meanwhile continued its crackdown on the suspected illicit liquor network.

Death toll remains under scrutiny

While the number of confirmed deaths is currently disputed, there is no doubt that the Sagar incident has become one of Madhya Pradesh's major recent spurious-liquor tragedies.

With several people still under treatment and forensic and medical investigations continuing, authorities are yet to establish the complete chain of events — from the manufacture and adulteration of the liquor to its distribution in villages.

The final death toll and exact cause of the poisoning are expected to become clearer as post-mortem, forensic and laboratory reports are completed.