As the number of casualties in MP’s alcohol tragedy continues to rise – at last count, it was 12 – investigation into the case has pointed to spurious country liquor that was allegedly supplied to the state by a gang based in Lalitpur in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh.

Besides the 12 who died, many more people who consumed the alleged illicit liquor in Sagar district on Saturday night continue to be in hospital.

Police said the victims were primarily from Nauraj and Gogra villages in the Banda police station area, where critically ill people began arriving at hospitals early Sunday.

Sagar Superintendent of Police (SP) Anurag Sujaniya said the substance involved in the deaths was initially identified as country liquor, adding investigation had led them towards a Lalitpur-based gang with a history of legal action for allegedly manufacturing and circulating spurious liquor.

Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar and UP’s Lalitpur fall under the larger Bundelkhand region.

“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. It is highly likely that the supply originated from that source,” said the SP.

The administration has, meanwhile, begun disciplinary action against officials of the Excise Department. Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda said the latest official information put the death toll at approximately 11 to 12 and confirmed that three officials had been suspended. The Deputy Excise Commissioner had been attached to the department’s headquarters, pending a comprehensive investigation.

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The action followed preliminary findings suggesting negligence on the part of Excise Department officials. The government has also directed authorities to specifically investigate the role of the liquor licensee concerned and take strict action under the law if they are found responsible.

10 detained

Investigators are now working backwards through the supply chain to establish where the liquor came from, who sold it and from where it entered the local market. About 10 people have been detained for questioning as police attempt to identify the source of the supply and those involved in its distribution.

The SP said the investigation would examine whether there were administrative lapses that allowed the illicit liquor to reach the affected villages. “While both the Excise Department and the Police share the responsibility for taking action against illicit liquor, the fact remains that this incident has occurred; therefore, we will investigate where the shortcomings lie,” he said.