Dewas officials shifted after spurious liquor death controversy

The Madhya Pradesh government transferred Dewas Collector Ritu Raj and Superintendent of Police Puneet Gahlot on Tuesday after a spurious liquor death controversy erupted in the district.

What Happened

Villagers in Chandana reported that at least ten people died between September 27 and October 16 after drinking suspected illicit liquor, with some victims showing vomiting and dizziness before death. The district administration initially called the reports "false and misleading" and said the ten deaths recorded between October 1 and 15 were due to old age, common illnesses, brain haemorrhage, field accidents or pre‑existing conditions worsened by alcohol, not poison.

Investigation

Police arrested a network after information about deaths on October 15 and 18. Villagers named Vinod Jaiswal as a seller; police seized his car and arrested Jaiswal, Ajay Rathore and Rameshwar Songara, recovering six cartons containing 54 litres of country liquor. The trio disclosed seven more participants – Satyendra Ojja, Nitin Solanki, Chandrashekhar Bairagi, Raj, Jugal, Rajendra Ninama and Vishal Chauhan – all of whom were later arrested, bringing the total accused to ten. A case was filed under Section 34(2) of the Madhya Pradesh Excise Act, 1915, and the seized liquor was sent for forensic testing.

Administrative Changes

Neha Meena was appointed the new Dewas collector and Aditya Mishra the new SP. Former collector Ritu Raj was moved to Deputy Secretary in the General Administration Department, while former SP Puneet Gahlot became Assistant Inspector General of Police at the Bhopal headquarters. Neither order cited the liquor deaths as a reason.

Context

The incident highlights ongoing challenges in curbing illicit liquor trade in rural Madhya Pradesh, where unlicensed brews often cause health crises and prompt swift police action.