Bhopal, October 28, 2026: The Madhya Pradesh government has transferred the Dewas Collector and Superintendent of Police after controversy over 10 deaths in Chandana village that residents linked to suspected spurious liquor.
Police investigating the case have arrested 10 people for allegedly running an illicit liquor network, while seized liquor has been sent for forensic examination.
Collector and SP Transferred
Dewas Collector Ritu Raj and SP Puneet Gahlot were transferred on Tuesday.
Neha Meena has been appointed the new Dewas Collector, while Aditya Mishra will take over as SP. The official orders do not explicitly describe the transfers as punishment over the deaths.
Administration Had Denied Hooch Link
The district administration had earlier called reports linking the deaths to poisonous liquor “false and misleading”.
It said 10 people died between October 1 and 15 from causes including old age, illnesses, brain haemorrhage, accidents and pre-existing health conditions.
Villagers Alleged Spurious Liquor Consumption
Residents, however, alleged that several victims had consumed suspected illicit liquor before falling ill.
Some reportedly experienced symptoms including vomiting and dizziness before their deaths.
Police Probe Finds Alleged Illegal Liquor Network
The investigation intensified after police received information about two deaths in Chandana on October 15 and 18.
Villagers allegedly identified Vinod Jaiswal as a person involved in selling illicit liquor.
54 Litres of Country Liquor Seized
Police intercepted a vehicle and arrested Jaiswal along with two others.
Six cartons containing around 54 litres of country liquor were recovered, and a case was registered under the Madhya Pradesh Excise Act.
Seven More Arrested
During questioning, the first three accused allegedly named seven other people involved in illegal liquor sales.
All seven were subsequently arrested, taking the total number of accused to 10.
Forensic Testing Still Pending
The seized liquor has been sent to a forensic science laboratory.
Police say the laboratory report will be important in determining whether the alcohol contained toxic or prohibited substances.
Cause of Death Not Yet Finally Established
Authorities had earlier said chemical tests and post-mortem examinations did not confirm poisoning.
Therefore, while the deaths are being investigated in connection with suspected illicit liquor, a definitive forensic link has not yet been publicly established.
Administrative Response Under Scrutiny
The case has attracted attention because the district administration initially rejected allegations of hooch deaths before police uncovered an alleged illegal liquor supply network.
The transfers of the Collector and SP have now intensified scrutiny of how officials handled the first reports.
Investigation Continues
Police are examining the supply chain, source of the seized liquor and possible links between the accused and the deaths.
Further action could follow once forensic reports and other evidence become available.
Source: The Indian Express, Madhya Pradesh Police
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