Five dead after suspected spurious liquor consumption in Madhya Pradesh

Five people died and more than a dozen fell ill after allegedly drinking spurious liquor in Baraj village in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district. The group consumed liquor on Saturday night, then developed nausea and vomiting, Superintendent of Police Anurag Sujania said.

The victims were taken to hospital, where five were declared dead. Six others remained in serious condition and were receiving treatment. “Prima facie, the cause of death appears to be poisoning, but we are awaiting the autopsy report for confirmation,” Sujania said. He added that police had registered a case and opened an investigation.

“

A group of people from Baraj village consumed liquor on Saturday night. Their condition deteriorated soon after and they complained of nausea and vomiting. They were rushed to hospital where five were declared dead. Six others are in serious condition and are undergoing treatment.

An excise department team reached the village and seized bottles from a local liquor outlet for forensic examination. The deaths followed a complaint from a licensed liquor contractor, who had alleged that counterfeit liquor branded “Bombay Whisky” was being sold in the area.

Licensed contractors had also raised objections at an excise department meeting four days earlier over the alleged supply of illicit and spurious liquor in the district. The district collector has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident.

“

Prima facie, the cause of death appears to be poisoning, but we are awaiting the autopsy report for confirmation. A case has been registered and investigation is underway.