# Madhya Pradesh hooch tragedy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/madhya-pradesh-hooch-tragedy
> Updated: 2026-09-13T03:16:12.000Z. Sources: 48. Developments: 4.

A mass poisoning incident involving suspected toxic liquor occurred in the Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh, specifically in the Banda tehsil and Gugra Khurd village. The incident resulted in significant casualties and widespread hospitalizations, with victims reporting symptoms such as fever, headache, and dizziness. Reports indicate the death toll has fluctuated, with recent confirmations of at least 16 deaths. Over 100 individuals required medical treatment, with some patients at Bundelkhand Medical College remaining in critical condition on ventilator support or requiring dialysis. Some victims have reportedly suffered permanent damage, including the loss of vision.

In response, District Collector Pratibha Pal ordered a magisterial inquiry. The Madhya Pradesh government initiated administrative actions, including the suspension of several excise and police officials. Law enforcement arrested 16 suspects and filed cases against approximately 30 individuals. Following directives from Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, authorities have intensified the crackdown on the illegal alcohol trade, including the use of bulldozers to demolish the homes and warehouses of key suspects. Chief Minister Yadav has since ordered a judicial inquiry to ensure an impartial investigation.

Following a visit to patients at Bundelkhand Medical College, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh called for a detailed investigation into the supply chain of the spurious liquor. Singh questioned whether the illicit alcohol originated from licensed contractors or manufacturers and demanded strict punishment for those responsible. He also urged the state government to provide clear information regarding compensation for the families of victims, particularly those who lost primary breadwinners, and requested that separate FIRs be registered for each case to account for differing circumstances.

## Claims

- The death toll in the hooch tragedy in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district has risen to 15. (disputed by 5 sources)
- The death toll from the poisonous liquor incident in Sagar district has risen to 16. (disputed)
- Authorities used bulldozers to demolish illegal structures belonging to the main suspects. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Police have arrested 16 suspects in connection with the incident. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- More than 100 people are undergoing treatment at various hospitals. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The deceased include Ujiyar Singh Lodhi (56), Bhagwan Singh Lodhi (27), and Chaman Singh (45). (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Police arrested main accused Ravi Lakhera following a short encounter in the Baraytha forest. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Police have identified 30 accused persons in the case. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Ravi Lakhera sustained a gunshot wound to his leg during the encounter. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- District Collector Pratibha Pal has issued an order for a magisterial inquiry into the incident. (single source)
- A reward of 20,000 rupees has been placed on the main accused Manish Lodhi. (single source)
- Some patients have reported loss of eyesight due to the toxic substance. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-13: Digvijaya Singh demands probe into Sagar liquor tragedy

Congress MP Digvijaya Singh has demanded a probe into the liquor supply chain in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district after 16 people died from consuming spurious alcohol.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/digvijaya-singh-demands-probe-into-sagar-liquor-tragedy

### 2026-09-09: Sagar poisonous liquor tragedy: 16 dead and main suspect arrested

At least 16 people have died from poisonous liquor in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district. Police arrested main suspect Ravi Lakhera after an encounter, and a judicial inquiry has been ordered.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/madhya-pradesh-authorities-crack-down-on-illegal-liquor-smuggling

### 2026-09-08: Sagar hooch tragedy: Deaths rise as administration demolishes illegal structures

A spurious liquor tragedy in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, has caused at least 15 deaths and left many hospitalized. Authorities have arrested 16 suspects and demolished illegal properties linked to the crime.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sagar-madhya-pradesh-hooch-tragedy-death-toll-rises-to-15

### 2026-09-06: Sagar hooch tragedy: 22 dead and over 100 hospitalized in Madhya Pradesh

At least 22 people have died and over 100 are hospitalized following the consumption of suspected toxic liquor in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh. Authorities have suspended several officials and ordered a magisterial's.

39 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sagar-district-9-dead-after-consuming-suspected-spurious-liquor

---
Cite as: Madhya Pradesh hooch tragedy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/madhya-pradesh-hooch-tragedy
