Overview
- Consumption of spurious liquor in Banda, Sagar district has killed 16 people and left dozens hospitalized, with hospitals continuing treatment for multiple patients.
- Police captured alleged kingpin Ravi Lakhera after a brief encounter in the Baraytha forest on Friday, during which he was shot in the leg and taken to hospital for treatment.
- Investigations have named about 30 suspects and the arrest tally has risen through the weekend to roughly 19 detainees as search operations continue for other accused.
- Authorities have seized bottles, counterfeit labels and brewing materials that police say show the liquor was made locally and sold under names such as 'Sagar Gold', and officials have demolished illegal structures and reclaimed government land linked to suspects.
- The incident has prompted suspensions, a judicial probe ordered by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, and a political row with opposition leaders alleging protection for illegal networks while the government vows stricter enforcement and de‑addiction drives.