12 Dead, Several Ill After Suspected Poisonous Liquor Consumption in Madhya Pradesh

Sagar: At least 12 people died after allegedly drinking poisonous liquor in Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh, while more than 10 people are said to be ill. There was panic in the administration after the incident. Health department teams are going door-to-door and examining people in the affected villages. As a precaution, six liquor shops in the area have been sealed. However, the real cause of deaths is not yet clear. The administration is waiting for the postmortem and forensic investigation report.

Were the deaths due to drinking poisonous liquor?

According to officials, information has come to light that the dead and sick people were linked to alcohol consumption, but it has not yet been officially proven that the deaths were due to poisonous liquor. The preliminary post-mortem report has also not been received yet. Officials say that the real cause of death will be known only after postmortem, medical examination and forensic report comes.

In which villages did the health department teams reach?

The administration has started medical screening in the villages around the affected area. Teams of doctors and health workers have been deployed in three affected villages including Naurra and Ghughru. According to officials, people who have consumed alcohol in the last 24 to 48 hours are being examined so that any potential patient can be identified in time.

What symptoms were found in the patients?

According to the treating doctors, serious symptoms including turning blue of the body and stiffness in the muscles have been seen in some patients. Chief Medical and Health Officer Devesh Pateria expressed apprehension that the symptoms seen in the patients may point towards methanol i.e. methyl alcohol poisoning. However, he clarified that it has not been confirmed yet. Since many people are undergoing treatment, the administration has not ruled out the possibility of further deaths.

Were complaints of spurious liquor already received?

After this incident, questions have also been raised on the functioning of the Excise Department regarding the sale of illegal and spurious liquor in the district. According to local reports, a liquor contractor had some time ago complained to the Excise Department about the sale of suspected fake liquor brand 'Bombay Whiskey'. It is alleged that despite the complaint, no effective action was taken. About four days ago, licensed liquor contractors had also raised the issue of sale of illegal and spurious liquor in a meeting with excise officials.

Why were the liquor shops sealed?

After the incident, the administration has taken precautionary measures and sealed six liquor shops in the area. Officials have also given instructions to collect samples of suspected liquor. Through examination of these samples, an attempt will be made to find out whether any poisonous chemical was present in the liquor or not.

What action did the Chief Minister order?

Seeing the seriousness of the matter, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has ordered an investigation. He instructed the concerned ministers and officials to reach the spot immediately. The Chief Minister said that the government will not tolerate such incidents at all and strictest action will be taken against those responsible. At present, police and administration teams are investigating the possible connection between the source, supplier of liquor and the deaths. Officials say that the picture of the entire matter will be clear only after the investigation and medical report comes.