Crime Governance Madhya Pradesh National Politics

10 Killed in Suspected Hooch Tragedy in MP’s Sagar District

UP-Based Liquor Racket Under Scanner; CM Yadav Orders Swift Probe

September 6, 2026
Dr Satyaprakash Sharma

BHOPAL: At least 10 people have died and several others fallen ill after allegedly consuming spurious liquor in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district, with a preliminary investigation pointing to a suspected Uttar Pradesh-based racket that may have been supplying counterfeit liquor to villages in the state’s border areas.

The deaths were reported in two villages of Banda tehsil, around 30 km from the Sagar district headquarters. While Sagar Collector Pratibha Pal confirmed 10 deaths, Banda BJP MLA Virendra Lodhi claimed that 11 people had died in the incident and around 25 others had been shifted from Banda Civil Hospital to other medical facilities for advanced treatment.

Pal, who visited the affected area on Sunday, said authorities were screening people who had consumed the suspected spurious liquor. Those reporting symptoms such as fever and headache were being referred to the government-run Bundelkhand Medical College and Hospital (BMCH).

“Three such persons have been sent to BMCH. None of them is serious,” the collector said. The first death was reported in the early hours of Sunday, while preliminary post-mortem reports were awaited. Officials have not yet indicated whether the death toll could rise.

Lodhi said, “As per my knowledge, 11 people have died after consuming spurious liquor. Around 25 have been rushed from Banda Civil Hospital to other hospitals for advanced healthcare.”

The incident has also brought an alleged cross-border illegal liquor network under the scanner. According to preliminary findings, a racket operating from Uttar Pradesh’s Lalitpur district may have been manufacturing counterfeit liquor and supplying it at low prices to villages in Sagar, particularly areas close to the state border.

The suspected supply chain came to light following a recent crackdown by Lalitpur Police on a gang allegedly involved in the manufacture and distribution of illegal liquor. During questioning, the accused reportedly told investigators that counterfeit liquor was being supplied to Banda in Sagar district and other areas.

According to statements recorded by Lalitpur Police, the alleged racket involved Lalitpur residents Ravi Lakhera, his wife Shivani Lakhera, Chandresh Lodhi and Mona Raja. Investigators suspect that the group manufactured counterfeit liquor in Lalitpur and passed it off as genuine by using fake labels and bottle caps.

The liquor bottles were allegedly equipped with counterfeit QR codes before being transported in cars and motorcycles to different villages in Sagar. Preliminary inquiries have identified Bandari, Badodiya, Gugra Khurd, Nauraaj and Bairaj among the villages where consignments were allegedly supplied.

Investigators are now working to establish whether the liquor consumed by the victims originated from the Lalitpur network. They are also trying to trace the route through which the liquor reached Sagar, identify local persons allegedly involved in its distribution and determine the size of the suspected supply chain.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav described the deaths in the Banda-Shahgarh area as “extremely sad and unfortunate” and ordered an immediate probe. He directed the minister concerned and senior officials to take strict action against those responsible, asserting that no guilty person would be spared.

Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda also sought an immediate report from officials and directed them to ensure a prompt investigation, adequate medical treatment and relief measures for those affected.

Senior officials, including the Sagar divisional commissioner, inspector general of police, collector and superintendent of police, reached the affected area and reviewed the situation. They met the families of the victims and assessed medical arrangements for those undergoing treatment.

The district administration has sealed seven liquor shops in the affected area as a precautionary measure and ordered immediate sampling of liquor. Inspections of liquor outlets and suspected illegal liquor manufacturing and distribution points have also been intensified.

Officials have been directed to initiate strict legal action against those involved in the illegal liquor trade. The administration has also appealed to people who consumed liquor and subsequently developed symptoms such as vomiting, headache or fever to immediately visit the nearest health centre and undergo medical examination.

The Sagar deaths come amid heightened concern over spurious liquor following a similar tragedy in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar district last month, where 13 people died after allegedly consuming illicit liquor. Gujarat is a dry state, where the manufacture, sale and consumption of alcohol are prohibited.