Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has ordered a judicial inquiry into the tragic deaths caused by toxic liquor consumption in the Sagar district. In response to the crisis, the state government has instituted a major administrative reshuffle, removing the local IG and commissioner and appointing new officials to take charge. Senior IAS officer Dilip Kumar has been assigned to oversee the Sagar division as commissioner, while senior IPS officer Irshad Wali has been appointed as the Inspector General of Police for the Sagar range. Dilip Kumar has already assumed office as the divisional commissioner, though officials have not yet specified who will lead the judicial inquiry or what timeframe has been set for submitting a report.
Rising Death Toll and Ongoing Medical Treatment
According to police statements, the death toll from the spurious liquor tragedy in Sagar climbed to 15 on Tuesday after two more victims succumbed while undergoing treatment. Authorities noted that one of the deceased individuals is herself an accused linked to the illegal liquor distribution network. Around 40 people remain hospitalized across local medical facilities, with the condition of three patients described as critical. The government has stressed that accountability will be fixed for any administrative lapses, and strict punitive measures will be enacted against all culpable parties.
Chief Minister Visits Hospitalized Victims
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visited the Bundelkhand Medical College and Hospital to meet with admitted patients and their grieving families. After gathering updates on the medical progress of the survivors from doctors and relatives, he spoke to journalists and announced that the state government will bear all medical expenses and fulfill other necessary requirements for the affected households. The administration previously announced an ex-gratia compensation of 4 lakh rupees for the legal heirs of each deceased individual.
Unrestricted Authority Given for Strict Action
Following a review meeting with district officials regarding the toxic liquor fatalities, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated that the administration has been given complete autonomy to act decisively. He warned that anyone found involved in the illicit liquor trade will face the harshest possible consequences, ensuring that punishments are severe enough to deter future violations. He further ordered immediate legal and anti-encroachment actions against individuals operating illegal liquor networks and other unlawful ventures, adding that statewide directives have been issued to prevent any recurrence of such tragedies.
