Toxic Alcohol Incident in Sagar: 84 Patients Under Treatment, 30 Arrested

Sagar, September 7 (Daily Kiran) : Authorities in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, are responding vigorously to a tragic incident involving toxic alcohol that has reportedly claimed the lives of approximately 12 individuals. In connection with this case, police have registered complaints against over 30 named suspects, with 10 of them already in custody. On Monday, officials revealed that 84 people are currently undergoing treatment for severe illness due to the consumption of the toxic substance.Among them, 59 are being treated at Bundelkhand Medical College, 17 at the district hospital, and 7 at Banda Civil Hospital. One critically ill patient has been airlifted to AIIMS Bhopal for specialized care. During a review meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, Sagar Collector Pratibha Pal emphasized the urgency of the situation. Shukla also visited the ICU and CCU wards, interacting with patients and their families. He instructed officials to enforce a complete ban on illegal alcohol sales and ordered thorough inspections of all liquor stores, including stock checks and investigations into the illicit alcohol trade.Shukla stated, "Strict action will be taken against any officials or staff found negligent or at fault." He noted that Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is closely monitoring the situation. Preliminary investigations indicate that the toxic alcohol was produced outside the region and distributed locally, with methanol found to be a contaminant. The administration has committed to providing essential medications and dialysis facilities to affected patients on a priority basis.Doctors report that most patients are in stable condition, and there has been a decrease in the number of new patients seeking treatment. Sagar Superintendent of Police Anurag Sujania confirmed that cases have been registered against 20 named suspects under the Indian Penal Code and the Madhya Pradesh Excise Act of 1915 at Banda police station. Another case has been filed at Vinayak police station against 10 additional suspects. Special police teams have been formed, and raids are ongoing at suspected locations.Currently, 10 out of the 20 suspects have been detained for questioning.