MP Hooch Tragedy: Probe Points to UP Gang Mimicking State Liquor Brands

The death toll in Madhya Pradesh's suspected hooch tragedy has risen to 12, with several others still hospitalised after consuming illicit country liquor in Sagar district on Saturday night. Most victims were from Nauraj and Gogra villages under the Banda police station area, where critically ill patients began arriving at hospitals early Sunday.

Sagar Superintendent of Police Anurag Sujaniya said preliminary findings point to a gang based in Lalitpur, Uttar Pradesh, which has a history of legal action for manufacturing and distributing spurious liquor. The gang is suspected of mimicking Madhya Pradesh liquor brands to sell its product locally.

"Based on our initial investigation, the substance involved is country liquor. Preliminary findings point to a Lalitpur-based gang, which has faced legal action in the past. It manufactures spurious liquor mimicking Madhya Pradesh brands and distributes it here," the SP said.

Both Sagar and Lalitpur fall within the larger Bundelkhand region, which spans the two states.

Meanwhile, the state administration has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Excise Department officials. Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda confirmed that three officials have been suspended, and the Deputy Excise Commissioner has been attached to the department's headquarters pending a comprehensive inquiry. The action follows preliminary findings of possible negligence by excise officials.

The government has also directed authorities to investigate the role of the concerned liquor licensee and take strict legal action if found responsible.

About ten people have been detained for questioning as investigators work backwards through the supply chain to establish the source of the liquor, its entry point into the local market, and those involved in its distribution. The SP added that the probe will also examine whether administrative lapses allowed the illicit liquor to reach the affected villages.