Inter-state gang linked to deadly fake-alcohol scandal in Madhya Pradesh, dozens arrested
Police say an inter-state network produced and sold adulterated liquor that killed at least 20 people in Sagar district, and a maker died after drinking it.
Madhya Pradesh police uncovered an inter-state fake-liquor ring that supplied adulterated alcohol to villages in Sagar district, resulting in at least 20 deaths. The gang obtained industrial spirit and other raw materials from Delhi, which were processed at Chandu Raja’s residence in Tatarwara and sold under the name “Sagar Gold”. Dinesh Shivhare, a resident of Morena who oversaw production, was hospitalized after consuming the product and later died from poisoning.
The investigation has named 52 individuals, with 37 arrests so far, while key suspects Manish Lodhi and Siddharth Kushwaha remain at large. Seizures during raids included bottling machinery, 11,050 empty bottles, and plastic bottle caps, as well as chemicals sent by RN Chemical’s owner Anup Giri. Additional arrests involve a bottle supplier, Pankaj Rai, and connections to licensed shop operators.
Why it matters
The case highlights the lethal risk of illegal alcohol networks and the need for stronger enforcement against spurious liquor.
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