Sagar/Bhopal, September 6, 2026

At least 11 people have died and 35 others were hospitalised after allegedly consuming spurious liquor in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district, according to reports. The tragedy unfolded across several villages of Banda block between Saturday night and Sunday morning.

The district administration had confirmed 10 deaths at one stage, while subsequent reports placed the toll at 11. Officials said the final figure and the exact cause of death would be established after completing medical and legal procedures. Most of those taken ill were admitted to Banda Civil Hospital, Sagar District Hospital and Bundelkhand Medical College. Some were reported to be in a critical condition. The deaths were reported from Banda-Shahgarh area and adjoining villages. The victims reportedly developed vomiting, dizziness, breathlessness, blurred vision and other symptoms soon after consuming the suspected liquor.

Sagar Collector Pratibha Pal said the administration was investigating every aspect of the tragedy. Post-mortem examinations were being conducted and liquor samples had been collected for laboratory testing. She appealed to everyone who had consumed liquor during the previous 48 hours to undergo medical screening without delay. People experiencing vomiting, headache, fever, anxiety, blurred vision or breathlessness were asked to reach the nearest health centre immediately.

Sagar Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Devesh Pateriya said the first casualty was reported at Banda Civil Hospital on Saturday evening. The patient was brought in a gasping condition and could not be revived despite efforts by doctors. “Based on the symptoms, methyl alcohol poisoning is suspected. However, the actual cause can be established only after the post-mortem and chemical examination reports,” Dr Pateriya said.

Medical teams were deployed in the affected villages for door-to-door screening. Doctors and health workers were trying to identify everyone who may have consumed the suspected liquor. Patients requiring specialised care were shifted to higher medical centres.

Senior officials, including the Divisional Commissioner, Inspector General of Police, Collector and Superintendent of Police, visited the affected area. They met the grieving families and reviewed treatment arrangements for those admitted to hospitals.

The administration also sealed liquor shops in and around Barethi, Banda, Shahgarh, Magardha, Vinayaka, Dalpatpur and Barayatha as a precaution. Samples were collected from the outlets for examination. Police seized suspected liquor bottles and detained several people for questioning. Reports suggested that investigators were also examining a possible supply link with neighbouring Lalitpur district in Uttar Pradesh. The use of fake labels, bottle caps and QR codes was suspected, though officials had yet to announce a conclusive finding.

Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav expressed grief over the deaths and directed the minister concerned and senior officials to reach the spot immediately. “I have directed the minister concerned and officials to immediately visit the site. We will investigate and take the strictest possible action. Our government will not tolerate such incidents,” Dr Yadav said. He also asked the administration to ensure proper treatment for every patient and extend necessary assistance to the affected families.

Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav ordered strict action after receiving the preliminary report into the tragedy. Banda police station in-charge and Gugra police outpost in-charge were suspended, taking the number of suspended officials to five. Earlier, Assistant Excise Commissioner Kirti Dubey, Assistant District Excise Officer Dilip Khandate and Banda Circle Excise Sub-Inspector Proshni Ureti were suspended. Deputy Commissioner and Divisional Flying Squad in-charge Neerja Srivastava was removed from Sagar and attached to the Gwalior headquarters.