At least 11 people have died and more than 30 others have been hospitalised after allegedly consuming illicit liquor in Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh, India, on Saturday night, police said.
Three of those hospitalised were reported to be in critical condition, while the victims were from Ghughar, Nauraj, Baraj and nearby villages.
Those who fell ill were taken to Banda Civil Hospital after their health deteriorated, where doctors pronounced several of them dead.
Sagar Superintendent of Police Anurag Sujania said eight deaths had been reported so far, with three others receiving treatment in critical condition.
He said suspected toxic liquor consumption was the preliminary cause of the deaths.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has ordered strict action and an inquiry into the incident.
“I have instructed the concerned minister and officials to visit the site immediately; we will take the strictest possible action and conduct an inquiry. Our government will absolutely not tolerate such incidents,” Yadav said.
District Collector Pratibha Pal also visited the hospital after being informed of the incident, while medical teams were deployed and local authorities continued to monitor the situation.
Pal urged anyone who had consumed alcohol within the past 24 to 48 hours, particularly those experiencing symptoms associated with toxic liquor poisoning, to seek immediate medical attention.
She said affected individuals could approach local medical teams or go to Banda Civil Hospital for screening.
