Leader Dhirendra Shastri calls for liquor ban after spurious liquor deaths in Sagar

Madhya Pradesh political figure Dhirendra Shastri publicly demanded a ban on the sale and distribution of liquor, pointing to a recent spate of fatalities in the city of Sagar caused by adulterated alcohol. He said the deaths underscore a growing public‑health crisis and called on the state government to act swiftly to prevent further loss of life.
Shastri highlighted that the victims were ordinary citizens, many of whom were from low‑income families, and that the illicit liquor market thrives on weak enforcement of existing regulations. He urged law‑enforcement agencies to crack down on illegal manufacturers and distributors, and appealed to the health department to launch awareness campaigns about the dangers of spurious liquor.
The call for a total ban comes as health officials in Sagar confirm that at least several dozen deaths have been linked to contaminated alcohol over the past weeks. While the state government has not yet issued a formal response, officials are expected to review the situation and consider stricter controls on alcohol production and sales.
Shastri’s statement has drawn attention from civil‑society groups, who have long campaigned for tighter liquor regulations in the state. The issue is likely to feature in upcoming policy discussions as authorities balance public‑health concerns with the economic interests of the legal liquor industry.