2 weeks ago
Police Trace Sagar Hooch Deaths to Alleged Interstate Network
Police are investigating deaths linked to suspected fake liquor in Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh.
People allegedly became sick or died after drinking the liquor in several villages.
Investigators say the liquor may have been made secretly in farm fields.
They allege that spirit and other materials were used to make bottles resembling a familiar brand.
Police have named several people they believe helped make or sell it.
One alleged supplier, Ravi Lakhera, was arrested after police said he fired at officers.
Police say 30 people have been identified and 17 have been arrested, although an earlier report gave a lower arrest figure.
Reports also differ on whether 12 or 15 people died.
Uttar Pradesh authorities have questioned the claim that the liquor came from Lalitpur, so that part of the investigation is not settled.
Police say the suspected liquor network involved spirit procurement, field-based manufacture, counterfeit packaging and village-level distribution.
Investigators have identified 30 accused, with police figures reporting 17 arrests, although an earlier account cited 14 arrests.
Police have named Karni Sena leader Chandrabhan Singh Rajput as the alleged prime accused alongside liquor contractor Manish Lodhi and Shivanjay Rajput.
Police allege history-sheeter Ravi Lakhera helped source spirit and manufacture the liquor; he was arrested after an exchange of fire.
The death toll is reported as either 12 or 15 in different police accounts, while Uttar Pradesh authorities dispute an alleged Lalitpur link.
- Who
- Police are investigating 30 alleged accused, including Chandrabhan Singh Rajput, Manish Lodhi, Shivanjay Rajput and Ravi Lakhera.
- What
- A suspected counterfeit-liquor network is being investigated after deaths and illnesses linked to illicit liquor.
- Where
- The alleged manufacture occurred in agricultural fields in Tatarwara, with distribution to villages in Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh; investigators are also examining a possible link to Lalitpur, Uttar Pradesh.
- When
- Deaths were reported from September 5 onward; police said the liquor was prepared ahead of the Krishna Janmashtami festival.
- Why
- Police allege the group produced and distributed spurious liquor, while the possible Lalitpur connection remains disputed and under investigation.
Police Investigation
Alternative Account
Possible Lalitpur supply link
Police Investigation
Madhya Pradesh police are investigating whether Ravi Lakhera and others sourced spirit or linked the operation to Lalitpur in Uttar Pradesh.
Alternative Account
Uttar Pradesh authorities have disputed earlier claims that the Sagar liquor came from Lalitpur and have asked Madhya Pradesh police to provide evidence.
Role of the alleged network
Police Investigation
Police allege that Chandrabhan Singh Rajput, Manish Lodhi, Shivanjay Rajput and Ravi Lakhera collaborated in sourcing materials, manufacturing counterfeit liquor and distributing it through village sellers.
Alternative Account
The reported roles are police allegations; the articles do not provide a contrary account from the accused.
Key facts
- Accused identified
- 30 people, according to the latest police figures.
- Arrests
- Police figures in the latest account report 17 arrests; an earlier account reported 14.
- Reported deaths
- Different police accounts report either 12 or 15 deaths.
- Alleged prime accused
- Chandrabhan Singh Rajput, described by police as a Karni Sena divisional president.
- Alleged manufacturing site
- Agricultural fields in Tatarwara.
- Alleged product
- Counterfeit liquor packaged with the Sagar Gold label.
- Police recovery
- A country-made 12-bore pistol, cartridges, spent casings and a motorcycle were reportedly recovered from Ravi Lakhera.
Quotes
Senior police officer
Police officer involved in the investigation
“When questioned about the source of the spirit, it emerged that Manish Lodhi — who had procured the materials — worked with an associate named Ravi Lakhera, a known history-sheeter and smuggler, to source and manufacture the liquor.”
indianexpress.com
“After the deaths started happening, the racket’s operatives started destroying the remaining spurious liquor, but the police, through timely raids, managed to seize a significant portion of the spurious liquor.”
indianexpress.com
Anurag Sujaniya
Superintendent of Police for Sagar district
“Upon questioning the accused, it was revealed that the Divisional President of Karni Sena, Chandrabhan Singh, his associate Manish Lodhi, and a distant relative named Shivanjay had collaborated to produce the liquor using spirit brought to a maize field.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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