At least 12 people have died and more than 10 others have fallen ill after allegedly consuming poisonous liquor in Sagar district, prompting authorities to launch an investigation and health screening in affected villages. The administration has also sealed six liquor shops as a precautionary measure while officials work to determine the source and nature of the liquor consumed.

Preliminary post-mortem reports are awaited, and authorities have cautioned that the exact cause of the deaths can be established only after medical examinations, forensic testing and the wider investigation are completed. Officials are examining whether the victims consumed contaminated or illegal liquor and are collecting samples for testing. Several affected people remain under medical treatment.

Doctors treating the patients have reported symptoms including cyanosis and muscle rigidity. Chief Medical and Health Officer Devesh Pateria indicated that the symptoms could be consistent with methyl alcohol poisoning, although this has not been confirmed. Medical teams have been conducting door-to-door checks and screening residents in villages around the affected area to identify anyone who may have consumed the suspected liquor in the previous 24 to 48 hours.

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The administration has urged residents who consumed liquor and subsequently developed symptoms such as vomiting, headache or fever to seek medical attention immediately. Screening teams have been deployed in villages including Naura and Ghugru, while patients requiring further care are being stabilised before referral to higher medical facilities. Officials have warned that the situation could change as additional medical and forensic reports become available.

The deaths have also raised questions over the alleged sale of counterfeit and illegally sourced liquor in the district. Local reports indicate that a liquor contractor had previously approached the excise department over the alleged sale of a suspected fake brand marketed as "Bombay Whisky". Licensed liquor contractors had also reportedly raised concerns about illegal and counterfeit liquor during a meeting with excise officials days before the deaths.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has ordered an inquiry and directed the concerned minister and officials to visit the affected area. He has called for the strictest possible action against those found responsible. Police and administrative teams are investigating the source and supply chain of the liquor, while officials continue collecting samples and monitoring the affected villages. The final cause of the deaths will be determined after the post-mortem and forensic reports are received.

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