Main Accused in Madhya Pradeshs Poisonous Liquor Case Injured in Police Encounter

Sagar, September 23 (Daily Kiran) : In Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, police have arrested Manish Lodhi, the main suspect in a deadly poisonous liquor incident, along with his accomplice Ashish Sahu. The arrests occurred after a brief encounter with law enforcement on September 23. Lodhi, who was wanted in connection with the tragic deaths caused by toxic alcohol, sustained injuries during the clash and is currently receiving medical treatment.Authorities reported that the police seized two country-made pistols, five cartridges, and a baseball bat from the suspects. The police operation to apprehend Lodhi had been ongoing. Around 3:00 AM, officers encountered him in the Malthoun police station area on the Noniya Sesai Road during a search related to the liquor case. According to police, Lodhi and Sahu opened fire on the officers, prompting a return of fire from the police, which resulted in Lodhi being shot in the leg.Sahu was also injured while attempting to escape. A police official stated, “Necessary actions are being taken at the scene, including collecting evidence and conducting medical examinations of the injured. Legal procedures and a detailed investigation are underway.” This incident is linked to a tragedy that unfolded in early September in the Banda and Shahgarh areas of Sagar district, where several individuals reportedly consumed poisonous liquor, leading to severe health issues.Many victims were hospitalized, prompting the police and excise department to initiate strict measures. The police have filed FIRs against 33 individuals across two police stations and have arrested nearly 19 suspects. Earlier, on September 11, Ravi Lakhera, another key suspect in the liquor tragedy, was injured in a brief encounter with police while trying to evade arrest in the Baraytha forest. He was shot in the leg and hospitalized in Banda. Authorities had offered a reward of ₹20,000 for information leading to his capture.