Sagar Spurious Liquor Tragedy: Prime Accused Injured In Police Encounter

Ravi Lakhera, the prime accused in the Sagar spurious liquor tragedy, was injured in a brief exchange of fire with Madhya Pradesh Police in the Baraytha forest on Friday morning while allegedly attempting to evade arrest. Lakhera suffered a bullet injury to his leg and was admitted to Banda Hospital for treatment.

What Happened In The Sagar Liquor Tragedy?

The tragedy began after several people in villages in the Banda-Shahgarh area of Sagar district allegedly consumed spurious liquor on the night of September 4-5. Soon after consuming the liquor, several people fell seriously ill and were admitted to hospitals for treatment.

The incident triggered concern across the district, with authorities launching a crackdown on those allegedly involved in the manufacture and supply of the spurious liquor.

The administration has officially confirmed 16 deaths so far. Three more patients undergoing treatment at Bundelkhand Medical College reportedly died on Thursday, but the higher death toll has not yet been officially confirmed.

Prime Accused Injured In Police Action

Police had announced a reward of ₹20,000 for information leading to Lakhera’s arrest. The encounter took place as Madhya Pradesh Police intensified its crackdown on those allegedly involved in the liquor tragedy.

According to police, Lakhera was attempting to evade arrest when the exchange of fire took place in the Baraytha forest. He sustained a bullet injury to his leg and was subsequently taken to Banda Hospital.

33 People Named As Accused

Police have named 33 people as accused in the case. Of these, 18, including Lakhera, have been arrested, while one accused has died and another is undergoing treatment in hospital. The remaining 13 accused are absconding.

The investigation is focused on those allegedly involved in the manufacture and distribution of the spurious liquor consumed by the victims.

CM Mohan Yadav Promises Strict Action

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said those responsible for the tragedy would not be spared.

“I have directed the administration to take strict action, and those responsible will not be spared,” Yadav told reporters on Friday.

Referring to the police action against Lakhera, the Chief Minister said he had been informed about the encounter and reiterated that strict action would continue against everyone allegedly involved in the incident.

Bulldozers Target Properties Linked To Accused

The administration has also initiated action against properties allegedly linked to the accused.

On Thursday, bulldozers demolished illegal portions of five houses belonging to three accused — Manish Lodhi, Chandrabhan Singh Rajput and Ashish Sahu.

The crackdown follows the Chief Minister’s directive for strict action against those allegedly involved in the spurious liquor trade and related illegal activities.

The state government has also ordered a judicial inquiry into the tragedy.