Sagar spurious liquor deaths: Administration demolishes 5 illegal structures linked to accused

The Sagar district administration on Thursday demolished five alleged illegal structures linked to accused in the Banda illicit liquor case, days after Chief Minister Mohan Yadav directed officials to take stringent action against those responsible for the tragedy.

The action followed the Chief Minister’s visit to Sagar, where he met people affected by the suspected spurious liquor incident and directed the administration to intensify action against the illegal liquor trade.

The incident in villages around Banda has claimed multiple lives and left several people requiring hospital treatment, prompting a wider investigation into the manufacture and supply of suspected spurious liquor. Investigators have also been probing an alleged supply network extending to neighbouring Uttar Pradesh.

Acting on the directions, a joint team of the Banda Municipal Council, revenue officials and police demolished three structures allegedly belonging to Manish Lodhi, one linked to Chandrabhan Rajput and another belonging to Ashish Sahu.

According to the district administration, the accused had allegedly encroached upon Government land and constructed houses, permanent buildings and warehouses without authorisation. Officials claimed some of these premises were also being used for activities connected with the illegal liquor trade.

The demolition drive was carried out in the presence of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Tehsildar, Chief Municipal Officer of Banda Municipal Council and a large police contingent to maintain law and order. Officials said notices had been pasted at the properties 24 hours before the action, seeking explanations from those concerned over the alleged encroachments. No reply was received within the stipulated period, following whichSagar spurious liquor deaths: Administration demolishes 5 illegal structures linked to accused the structures were removed in accordance with the prescribed procedure.

The action comes amid an intensified crackdown following the suspected spurious liquor deaths in Sagar district. Police and excise authorities have been investigating the source, manufacture and distribution network of the liquor, with reports indicating that the alleged supply chain had links outside Madhya Pradesh.

The district administration said similar action would continue against illegal liquor operators, organised illegal activities and encroachments on Government land, reiterating that those involved in such activities would face strict action.