Police Use Water Cannons to Break Up Youth Congress Protest in Sagar Over Toxic Liquor

Police forces in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, resorted to water cannons on Saturday to disperse a Youth Congress gathering that had assembled outside the collectorate to protest a recent toxic liquor tragedy. The demonstration, which aimed to press authorities for swift action and accountability, was halted after the security personnel warned the crowd and then activated the water jets to clear the area.

The protest follows a spate of deaths linked to the consumption of adulterated alcohol in the region, a case that has sparked widespread outrage among residents. Youth Congress members marched to the collectorate demanding a thorough investigation, stricter enforcement of liquor regulations, and compensation for the victims' families.

Law enforcement officials said the decision to use water cannons was taken to prevent the crowd from turning violent and to maintain public order. No serious injuries were reported among protesters or police personnel, and the assembly was cleared within an hour of the deployment.

Local authorities have pledged to intensify inspections of liquor outlets and to cooperate with state agencies to curb the illegal sale of hazardous alcohol. The incident underscores the heightened tension in the district as citizens seek justice for the victims of the poisoning.