Six dead, five hospitalised after suspected spurious liquor in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar
Six persons have died and five others have been hospitalised after allegedly consuming spurious liquor in two villages of Banda tehsil in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district, officials said on Sunday. The deaths came to light in the early hours of the morning, with the first casualty reported before dawn.
The victims had reportedly consumed illegal liquor in villages located about 30 km from the district headquarters. Following the incident, district authorities initiated screening and medical checks in the affected villages to identify others who may have consumed the tainted alcohol.
Sagar Collector Pratibha Pal confirmed the sequence of events. "Interactions with locals have pointed out that the deaths occurred after they consumed illegal spurious liquor. Screening has already begun in the two villages," she told PTI over phone. Four to five other persons, who complained of headache and vomiting, were shifted to the government-run Bundelkhand Medical College and Hospital, she added.
The preliminary autopsy reports have not yet been received, and a clear cause of death is awaited. Local police have registered a case and are investigating the source of the spurious liquor. Further details are expected once medical and forensic reports are submitted.
This incident is a grim reminder of recurring hooch tragedies in India, where cheap and illicit alcohol often laced with toxic methanol has claimed lives repeatedly. In recent years, states such as Punjab, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar have witnessed similar casualties. While prohibition exists in some states, in others, illicit liquor thrives due to black marketing and poor enforcement. Authorities in Madhya Pradesh have been urged to crack down on the illegal trade and enhance public awareness about the dangers of unregulated alcohol.
The district administration has announced ex gratia for the families of the deceased and is monitoring the health condition of those hospitalised. Meanwhile, locals have demanded stricter action against those involved in the sale of spurious liquor. Morale in the two villages remains low as families mourn their losses and wait for answers.
