Spurious liquor poisoning in the Banda tehsil area of Sagar district in Madhya Pradesh kills dozens of people and sends more than 100 others to hospitals, with reports of symptoms such as vomiting, blurred vision and breathing trouble. Across outlets, figures vary as deaths rise in stages: early reports cite 11 deaths and about 30 hospitalised, later updates put the toll at 17, 22, and in some accounts as high as 30, while hospitalisations reach 109–112. Suspected poisoning is based on post-mortem indicators, and some medical reports point to possible methanol involvement.
Police and excise officials investigate the manufacturing and sale network behind the illicit “Sagar Gold” brand. Several liquor shops are sealed and bottles are sampled for testing; raids and arrests follow, with dozens of suspects named and increasing arrests reported. One account says the liquor supply is preliminarily linked to Lalitpur in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, while an UP excise note disputes any connection. In response, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav directs strict action and a probe, visits hospitals, and orders anti–drug/de-addiction measures. Police transfers and suspensions also occur within the state administration in the wake of the tragedy.
