Bhopal/Sagar, Sep 11 (IANS): The prime accused in the Sagar spurious liquor tragedy, Ravi Lakhera, was injured in a brief exchange of fire with police in the Baraytha forest on Friday morning while attempting to evade arrest.
Lakhera sustained a bullet injury to his leg and was admitted to Banda Hospital for treatment. Police had announced a reward of Rs 20,000 for information leading to his arrest.
The encounter came as Madhya Pradesh Police intensified its crackdown on those allegedly involved in the manufacture and supply of spurious liquor in Sagar district, where the tragedy has triggered widespread concern.
The administration has officially confirmed 16 deaths in the incident so far. Three more patients undergoing treatment at Bundelkhand Medical College reportedly died on Thursday, though the higher casualty figure has not been officially confirmed.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has assured that stringent action will continue against all those responsible for the tragedy. “I have directed the administration to take strict action, and those responsible will not be spared,” Yadav told reporters on Friday.
Referring to the police action against the prime accused, the Chief Minister said he had been informed about the encounter and reiterated that no person involved in the incident would be spared.
“We will not spare anyone responsible and will continue taking strict action against those involved in such incidents,” he said.
The tragedy unfolded after several people in villages in the Banda-Shahgarh area allegedly consumed spurious liquor on the night of September 4-5. Several victims were subsequently admitted to hospitals with serious symptoms.
Police have so far named 33 people as accused in the case. Of them, 18, including Lakhera, have been arrested. One accused has died, another is undergoing treatment in hospital, while 13 others are absconding.
The administration has also launched action against properties allegedly linked to the accused.
On Thursday, bulldozers demolished illegal portions of five houses belonging to three accused — Manish Lodhi, Chandrabhan Singh Rajput and Ashish Sahu.
The crackdown follows Yadav’s directive for strict action against those involved in the tragedy and related illegal activities. The state government has also ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident.
