Main accused in Madhya Pradesh hooch tragedy held after encounter in Sagar: Police
Police in Madhya Pradesh arrested a key suspect in a deadly spurious liquor case following an encounter in the Sagar district. The incident has resulted in 16 deaths and prompted a judicial inquiry.
Why it matters
The tragedy highlights ongoing issues with illegal alcohol production and public safety enforcement in rural India.
One of the main accused in the Madhya Pradesh spurious liquor case that has claimed 16 lives was captured early Friday (September 11, 2026) after an encounter with police in the State’s Sagar district, an official said.
Ravi Lakhera (45) sustained a bullet injury to his leg, while two of his accomplices, who were travelling with him on a motorcycle, managed to flee, said Additional Superintendent of Police Jayveer Bahdoriya.
The official said police intercepted Mr. Lakhera in the Baraytha forest, about 40 k.m. from the district headquarters, triggering an exchange of fire.
A bullet hit his leg, and he was taken to a hospital in Banda in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh for treatment, Mr. Bahdoriya told PTI over the phone.
Police sources said Mr. Lakhera is in a stable condition.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in