Bhopal, November 9, 2026: The Madhya Pradesh Congress has expelled party functionary Rahul Jaiswal following his arrest in connection with an alleged interstate liquor-smuggling network linked to the death of a police officer in Dewas district.
The party removed Jaiswal from all organisational positions and terminated his primary membership following directions from state Congress president Jitu Patwari.
The development has intensified a political confrontation between the Congress and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has alleged that individuals connected to the illegal liquor trade received political protection.
Congress Expels Rahul Jaiswal
The Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee confirmed that Rahul Jaiswal, a party functionary from Harda district, had been expelled with immediate effect.
The disciplinary letter, issued by organisational general secretary Dr Sanjay Kamle, condemned the death of Khategaon police station in-charge Dilip Puri.
The party referred to Jaiswal’s arrest and the criminal case registered against him.
Jaiswal had served as the Congress’s Khategaon Assembly constituency in-charge and previously held the position of district Youth Congress president.
His expulsion comes as investigators examine allegations involving the transportation and distribution of illicit liquor.
Police Officer Killed During Liquor-Smuggling Operation
The controversy centres on the death of Dilip Puri, who was killed on November 1, 2026, while attempting to intercept a truck suspected of transporting illegal liquor.
The incident occurred on the Indore-Betul highway near Sandalpur in Dewas district.
According to police, the truck driver allegedly attempted to escape during the interception.
Puri came under the vehicle’s rear wheel and sustained fatal injuries.
Constable Sohan Jat was also injured during the operation.
The incident triggered a police investigation that subsequently uncovered suspected links to a wider interstate liquor-smuggling network.
Police Allege Rahul Jaiswal Had Stake in Liquor Business
During the investigation, police alleged that Rahul Jaiswal was associated with a liquor business connected to the suspected smuggling operation.
According to investigators, Jaiswal allegedly disclosed during questioning that he held a 30% stake in a liquor shop linked to the network.
Police also alleged that he coordinated liquor transportation and the distribution of proceeds generated through the trade.
These are allegations made during an ongoing criminal investigation. They have not been established through a final judicial determination.
Interstate Liquor Network Under Investigation
Investigators suspect that the network transported liquor from Madhya Pradesh to Gujarat, where alcohol sales are generally prohibited under state law.
Police have examined the possible involvement of liquor contractors, transport operators and other individuals associated with the alleged operation.
The investigation has led to several arrests.
Authorities are continuing to examine financial transactions, transportation arrangements and the roles of suspected participants.
BJP Questions Congress Over Alleged Links
The ruling BJP has intensified its criticism of the opposition following Jaiswal’s arrest.
Madhya Pradesh cabinet minister Vishwas Sarang alleged that Jaiswal and his brother were partners in a liquor business connected to the suspected network.
Sarang also claimed that Jaiswal had close political connections with senior Congress leaders.
The BJP has questioned whether money from illicit liquor activities may have been used to support political activities.
However, the allegation that illegal liquor proceeds financed Congress activities has not been established as a proven fact.
Congress Demands Impartial Investigation
Congress leaders have continued to criticise the BJP-led state government over its handling of illegal liquor operations.
The opposition has argued that the death of a police officer while confronting suspected smugglers raises serious questions about law enforcement and the government’s ability to control criminal networks.
Congress leaders have demanded a comprehensive and impartial investigation.
The party maintains that the government must be held accountable for failures to prevent illegal liquor operations.
Meanwhile, the expulsion of Jaiswal demonstrates the party’s decision to take disciplinary action against the functionary under investigation.
Earlier Liquor Deaths Add to Controversy
The wider controversy emerged after residents of Chandana and Binjana villages in Dewas district reported deaths they believed were connected to consuming spurious liquor.
Villagers claimed that at least 13 people died between September 27 and October 16.
Some residents also reported symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness and vision problems.
However, the district administration disputed the claim that all the deaths resulted from contaminated liquor.
Officials attributed the deaths to various medical conditions and other causes.
The conflicting accounts have increased demands for a transparent investigation into the reported deaths and suspected illegal alcohol distribution.
Political Dispute Intensifies in Madhya Pradesh
The case has created a confrontation between the state’s two major political parties.
Congress has criticised Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s government over law enforcement and the activities of suspected liquor networks.
The BJP has responded by highlighting the alleged involvement of opposition-linked individuals.
Both parties have demanded accountability, although they disagree over political responsibility.
Investigators must establish the criminal facts independently of the political allegations surrounding the case.
What Happens Next in the Investigation?
Police are continuing their investigation into Dilip Puri’s death and the wider suspected liquor-smuggling operation.
Authorities are examining the possible involvement of individuals across Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
Further arrests or legal proceedings will depend on the evidence collected.
Jaiswal’s expulsion is an internal party decision and does not determine his criminal liability.
Congress Expulsion Becomes Latest Development
The expulsion of Rahul Jaiswal marks another development in the Madhya Pradesh liquor-smuggling controversy.
The criminal investigation began following the death of a police officer on November 1, while allegations involving illegal liquor distribution have prompted broader scrutiny.
The BJP continues to question Congress over alleged political links, while Congress demands accountability from the state government.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against the accused will require examination through the legal process.
Sources: The Indian Express, November 9, 2026; Hindustan Times, November 4, 2026; PTI, November 2, 2026
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