Daijiworld Media Network - Sagar
Sagar (Madhya Pradesh), Sep 7: At least 84 people are undergoing treatment after consuming suspected spurious liquor in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district, while around a dozen people have died in the tragedy in Banda tehsil, officials said on Monday.
Of the affected persons, 59 have been admitted to Bundelkhand Medical College (BMC), 17 to the district hospital and seven to Banda Civil Hospital. One critically ill patient was airlifted to AIIMS Bhopal, Sagar Collector Pratibha Pal said during a review meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister and Sagar district in-charge minister Rajendra Shukla.
Shukla visited the ICU and critical care wards, interacted with patients and met their family members. He directed officials to launch a complete crackdown on illicit liquor, inspect all liquor shops, verify stocks and conduct a detailed probe into the illegal liquor trade.
“Strict action will be taken against officials and employees found negligent or responsible for lapses,” Shukla said, adding that Chief Minister Mohan Yadav was closely monitoring the situation.
A preliminary investigation indicated that the toxic liquor was manufactured outside the area and supplied locally. Methanol contamination has been detected in the liquor.
The administration said essential medicines, diagnostic facilities and dialysis were being provided to affected patients on priority. Doctors said most patients were stable and the number of new admissions had declined.
Sagar Superintendent of Police Anurag Sujania said a case had been registered at Banda police station against 20 named accused under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Madhya Pradesh Excise Act, 1915.
The accused have been booked for their alleged involvement in manufacturing, supplying and selling suspected counterfeit and illicit liquor for illegal financial gain. Another case has been registered against 10 named accused at Vinayaka police station, the SP said.
Special police teams have been formed and raids are being conducted at suspected locations. Ten of the 20 accused have so far been arrested and are being questioned.
Shukla also directed the police to strengthen district-level enforcement and ensure effective implementation of the government’s anti-drug campaign.
He assured the affected families that the victims would receive the best possible treatment.
“No negligence or laxity in the treatment of the victims will be tolerated. All patients must receive the best possible treatment, and there should be no shortage of medicines or other resources,” he said.