MP’s Hooch Tragedy: 16 Dead, 32 Hospitalised as Key Accused Held After Police Encounter

The death toll in the Sagar hooch tragedy in Madhya Pradesh has risen to 16, while 32 people remain under treatment at different hospitals, officials said.

One of those undergoing treatment is in serious condition, according to Sagar Collector Pratibha Pal. The tragedy has triggered a major police crackdown after authorities uncovered an illegal facility allegedly used to brew spurious liquor in the district.

Police have registered a case against 30 accused persons, of whom 16 have been arrested and one detained. In the latest development, alleged accused Ravi Lakhera, who was reportedly linked to a gang operating from Uttar Pradesh's Lalitpur, was arrested following a brief police encounter on Friday. Lakhera sustained a gunshot injury to his leg and was admitted to a hospital for treatment. A reward of Rs 20,000 had been announced for information leading to his arrest.

Police had earlier identified Lakhera as allegedly being involved in brewing the spurious liquor in Sagar. He was reported to be a resident of Lalitpur and originally from Mahoba district in Uttar Pradesh.

The victims allegedly consumed liquor falsely labelled 'Sagar Gold', a cheap whisky brand available locally. Police recovered empty bottles, labels and material suspected to have been used for manufacturing the illicit liquor from the alleged brewing facility.

Authorities have also demolished illegal structures linked to accused Manish Lodhi, Ashish Sahu and Chandrabhan Singh. Lodhi and Sahu remain absconding, while Chandrabhan is in custody.

Earlier, reports indicated suspected methanol poisoning among victims, prompting further investigation into the composition and supply chain of the liquor.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has ordered a judicial probe and directed authorities to intensify action against the illicit liquor network across the state.