Yogi’s bulldozer roars in MP: Five houses of liquor scandal accused reduced to rubble
Sagar, September 10: The Sagar district administration on Thursday took major action against the properties of the accused in connection with the deaths caused by poisonous liquor in the Banda-Shahgarh area. A joint team of police and administration bulldozed the alleged illegal constructions in five houses belonging to the three accused in Ward No. 11 and 12 of Banda. Three JCB machines and a heavy police force were deployed during the action.
According to the administration, the action was taken against the constructions linked to the main accused, Chandrabhan Singh Rajput alias Chandu, Ashish Sahu, and Manish Lodhi. A total of five houses were targeted. The administration team first reached Chandrabhan Singh Rajput’s house. Subsequently, action was taken against the houses linked to Ashish Sahu and Manish Lodhi. The administration says that alleged illegal constructions and encroachments identified based on revenue records and investigations are being removed.
As per the authorities, a house belonging to Ashish Sahu has been completely demolished. Alleged illegal portions of three houses belonging to Manish Lodhi were also removed. During the operation, an altercation occurred between family members and security personnel.
According to SDM Sanjay Jain, action is being taken against those involved in the illegal liquor trade under the Chief Minister’s directive and the zero-tolerance policy. He added that complaints of encroachment on government land, unauthorized construction, and occupation of agricultural land are being investigated. According to the SDM, unauthorized occupation of agricultural land has also been reported in Simaria village. Action is being taken there at the Shahgarh Tehsildar level. The properties of other accused are also being investigated, and if irregularities are found in the records, action will be taken as per the rules.
Conflicting figures are emerging regarding deaths due to consumption of poisonous liquor in the Banda-Shahgarh area. Recent reports claim 28 deaths, while the administration has confirmed 15 deaths. Several patients are also reported to be undergoing treatment in hospitals. An investigation is underway to determine the actual number and cause of deaths. The cause of death is being confirmed based on post-mortem and medical reports. According to one report, the post-mortem reports of 12 of the deceased indicated methanol poisoning.
The police have claimed to have uncovered an interstate illicit liquor network during the investigation into the toxic liquor case. A total of 16 suspects have been arrested during operations in the Banda and Vinayaka police station areas. A reward has been announced for the arrest of some key accused.
The government has also expanded the scope of the investigation. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has ordered a judicial inquiry into the toxic liquor scandal. Administrative changes have also been made. Previously, a magisterial inquiry was ordered at the collector level. The investigation is examining various aspects, including the supply and sale of the alcohol, the causes of the deaths, and the role of those responsible.
The administration is now investigating other properties and constructions linked to the accused. If revenue records reveal unauthorized construction or encroachment on government land, action will be taken as per the rules. Police are also investigating the role of others involved in the illegal liquor network.
