Politics Intensifies Over Banda Poisonous Liquor Case, Jitu Patwari Seeks Judicial Probe From CM Mohan Yadav

Bhopal/Sagar: Politics has intensified in Madhya Pradesh following deaths allegedly linked to poisonous liquor in the Banda area of Sagar district. Congress state president Jitu Patwari has written to Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, seeking an impartial and high-level inquiry into the entire matter. Patwari questioned why effective action was not taken against the illegal liquor network despite earlier complaints and warnings.

In his letter, Patwari also referred to an incident that took place in the Shahpur area of Sagar in May 2026. He said that after the deaths of two youths at that time, he had visited the spot and warned the government about the illegal liquor trade. He asked the Chief Minister what steps were taken after that warning to reach the roots of the illegal liquor network in the district.

Questions Raised Over Action

The Congress leader said that if surveillance and action against the illegal liquor trade had been strengthened after the earlier incident, how did such a large number of deaths occur in the Banda area? On the other hand, if adequate action was not taken, he questioned why the earlier warning was not taken seriously.

Patwari said the investigation should not be limited to treating the incident as a local matter. The entire network involved in the source, transportation and distribution of the liquor should be investigated. The role of officials in whose areas complaints about illegal liquor had previously surfaced should also be brought under the scope of the investigation.

‘Action Against Officials Alone Is Not Enough’

Patwari also questioned the administrative action taken by the government. He said that transferring or suspending officials after an incident is not enough to establish complete accountability. According to him, the action should reach the actual people responsible and ensure that the illegal liquor network is dismantled.

Demand for Assistance to Victims’ Families

The Congress state president also demanded immediate financial assistance for the families of those who died and better treatment for those admitted to hospitals. He said the government should not only support the affected families but also take concrete steps to prevent such incidents from happening again.

Government Has Also Initiated Action

Meanwhile, the state government has initiated administrative action in the matter. According to available reports, a magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the Banda incident, and action has also been taken against officials of the Excise Department. Police have registered cases against people allegedly connected with the illegal liquor network and are continuing the investigation.

As the investigation progresses, it remains to be established what the complete supply network of the poisonous liquor was and whether there was any administrative negligence at any level in the incident.