Death toll rises to 12 in Hooch tragedy, 30 under medical observation; MP
The death toll in the Sagar hooch tragedy in Madhya Pradesh rose to 12 on Monday after another person died, while around 25 to 30 people remained under medical observation, including two in critical condition, officials said. The victims had allegedly consumed spurious liquor in two villages of Banda tehsil, around 30 km from Sagar.
The latest death came in the early hours of Monday, a day after 11 people died and 54 others fell ill following the suspected consumption of illicit liquor. Several of those affected reported symptoms including blurred vision and dizziness. One critically ill person was airlifted to Bhopal on Sunday for advanced treatment.
Authorities have intensified action against those suspected of supplying and selling the spurious liquor. Police have registered three separate FIRs based on complaints filed by relatives of the victims and have arrested 14 of the 30 people named as accused. A search is underway for the remaining suspects.
Sagar Collector Pratibha Pal said police and excise officials were conducting a wider crackdown on bootleggers. Revenue department teams, along with village representatives, were also carrying out door-to-door checks to identify people possessing liquor bottles.
Investigators are examining a possible connection between the local liquor contractor and individuals in Lalitpur, neighbouring Uttar Pradesh. According to the preliminary investigation, the suspected spurious liquor was supplied from Lalitpur. Police are probing the alleged network involved in bringing the liquor into the area.
Following the deaths, authorities suspended three excise officials and two police personnel in connection with the incident. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has ordered an inquiry and said those found responsible would not be spared.
The administration has also urged anyone who consumed liquor and develops symptoms such as vomiting, headache or fever to immediately visit a health centre and undergo medical examination.
with inputs from PTI
