At least 15 people have died and 40 others are hospitalised after allegedly consuming suspected spurious liquor in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district, police said, as authorities investigate the source of the alcohol.
Three patients are in critical condition, according to officials. The victims belonged to villages in the Banda area of Sagar district where several people fell ill after consuming alcohol over the weekend, police said.
Authorities have taken samples of alcohol for testing and launched an investigation into the alleged poisoning. Although forensic tests are expected to determine whether the alcohol was tainted, officials have not yet determined the substance that caused the deaths.
Earlier reports indicated patients exhibited symptoms of nausea and vomiting and other signs consistent with possible alcohol poisoning. Medical teams were dispatched to the affected villages to identify those who may have consumed the suspected spirits and arrange for treatment.
Police are also looking into a possible supply chain for the liquor. According to police cited by The Indian Express, earlier findings suggested a suspected network operating out of neighbouring Uttar Pradesh.
Administrative action and a magisterial inquiry have been launched in response to the incident as officials try to figure out how the suspected spurious liquor got to consumers and whether officials neglected to act on earlier warnings.
