Madhya Pradesh cracks down on illicit liquor trade

After dozens died consuming fake liquor in Morena district, Madhya Pradesh is hunting down illicit liquor traders across the state.

Bhopal:The Morena hooch tragedy, which has claimed the lives of 24 people so far, has once again brought the illicit liquor mafia that haunts Madhya Pradesh. The state administration has started a crackdown against the spurious liquor in Morena and reportedly razed two houses of alleged liquor mafia Mukesh Kirar located in Chhera.

Police said that a case has been registered against seven people and the state government has also announced the bounty on the accused who are at large.

A police team spearheaded by Joura SDM Neeraj Sharma and sub-divisional police officer(SDPO) SBS Raghuvanshi reached Kirar's house and demolished it, claiming that it is built on illegal land.

Sources said that the gang used to operate from the village and sell spurious hooch to people which has also caused eye ailments to few people. They are now being treated at Gwalior hospital.

The government has started taking action against the illicit liquor mafia after a three-member team, formed by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, met the family of the victims.

At least five officials, including SDOP, have been suspended and the Superintendent of Police (SP) and the District Collector were transferred after the incident.