Madhya Pradesh Hooch Tragedy: 12 Dead, Nearly 30 Under Medical Watch

The death toll in the Sagar hooch tragedy in Madhya Pradesh rose to 12 on Monday after another person died during treatment, while nearly 30 others continued to remain under medical observation, officials said.

Two of the patients are in critical condition, prompting authorities to step up medical surveillance as well as their crackdown on the alleged illegal liquor network behind the tragedy.

The incident occurred in two villages of Banda tehsil, around 30 km from Sagar district headquarters. On Sunday, 11 people died and 54 others fell ill after allegedly consuming spurious liquor. Several of those affected reported symptoms including blurred vision and dizziness.

Sagar Collector Pratibha Pal said another person died in the early hours of Monday, taking the toll to 12. Around 25 to 30 people are currently under medical observation, while one critically ill patient was airlifted to Bhopal on Sunday for specialised treatment.

Police have registered three separate FIRs based on complaints filed by relatives of the victims, Sagar Range DIG Shashindra Chouhan said.

Of the 30 people named as accused, 14 have been arrested so far, while efforts are underway to track down the remaining suspects.

The police and excise department have launched a major crackdown on suspected bootleggers. Revenue officials, along with village representatives, are conducting door-to-door checks to identify people possessing liquor bottles.

Investigators are also examining a possible connection between individuals in Lalitpur in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh and the local liquor contractor. Preliminary findings indicate that the liquor may have been supplied from Lalitpur.

Authorities have urged anyone who consumed the suspected liquor and develops vomiting, headache, fever or other unusual symptoms to immediately seek medical attention.

Meanwhile, three excise officials and two police personnel have been suspended in connection with the incident. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has ordered a probe and said those found responsible would not be spared.