BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday said the Sagar hooch tragedy must serve as a “stern lesson” so that no one dares to repeat such an act, and asserted that those responsible would face the strictest action under the law.
The official death toll in the incident rose to 15, while 16 people were arrested in connection with the hooch tragedy so far.
Interacting with the media in Sagar after meeting victims undergoing treatment at Bundelkhand Medical College, Yadav said he had reviewed the situation with the administration and given it a “free hand” to take stringent action against those responsible.
“As you are aware, during the Congress regime, there was no strict legislation. Our government under former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan enacted laws for severe punishment in cases involving illicit liquor-related deaths, including provisions ranging from murder charges to life imprisonment and the death penalty”, Yadav told reporters.
He said the laws incorporate provisions ranging from charges of murder to life imprisonment and even the death penalty for those involved in such incidents.
“We have given the administration a free hand to take the strictest possible action,” Yadav said, adding that authorities should take similar action wherever required.
He also directed officials to act against illegal encroachments allegedly linked to unlawful activities and ensure that such operations do not flourish.
The Chief Minister said the government was ensuring prompt medical treatment for those injured and providing all necessary assistance to the affected.
The Chief Minister called for a renewed statewide anti-addiction campaign, directing officials to dismantle the illegal trade in intoxicants and involve religious institutions, voluntary organisations and social groups in awareness and de-addiction programmes. “We need collective social commitment to tackle this,” Yadav said.
Yadav also appealed to political parties to maintain unity in responding to such incidents. Addressing Congress leaders, he said political differences should not come in the way of demonstrating collective strength in the face of such tragedies.
“I urge leaders from the Congress party that we must stand united and demonstrate our collective strength in the face of such incidents,” he said.
Yadav said the government’s immediate focus was on providing the best possible care to those affected and ensuring strict action against those responsible so that such an incident was not repeated.