Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Police arrested Ravi Lakhera, an accused linked to the spurious liquor case in Sagar district, following a short encounter, according to the state government.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the state government had directed the administration to take strict action following the deaths and the law-and-order concerns arising from the Sagar incident.
“The government will not tolerate any negligence in such cases,” Yadav said, adding that action had been taken against those allegedly involved in the illegal liquor trade.
Police Action Against Accused
According to the government, Lakhera was arrested after the police team engaged him in a short encounter. The chief minister said the action demonstrated the effectiveness of the state police and reiterated that those found responsible would face action.
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The government also said it was conducting a large-scale anti-drug campaign across Madhya Pradesh to address substance abuse.
Allegations Against Ravi Lakhera
According to the state government’s account, Lakhera is allegedly linked to a network involved in manufacturing and supplying counterfeit liquor.
The network allegedly used fake wrappers, bottle caps and QR codes to make spurious liquor appear to be from genuine brands before supplying it in rural areas of Sagar district.
Key details cited by the government include:
- Lakhera has a previous criminal record, according to the state government.
- A case was registered against him by Lalitpur Police on May 4, 2026, during a probe into an illegal liquor manufacturing operation.
- During questioning in that case, investigators reportedly obtained information about the supply of liquor to Banda in Sagar district and other areas.
- His alleged links to the Sagar liquor network came under investigation following the spurious liquor deaths in the district.
The Sagar case has involved an alleged interstate supply network, with investigations by police in both Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
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