National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) member Priyank Kanoongo on Tuesday, 15 September said the cause of death of seven people in the Sagar spurious liquor tragedy in Madhya Pradesh remains inconclusive, pressing the district administration for clarity on casualties and demanding faster compensation disbursal for affected families.

Key Developments from Kanoongo's Sagar Visit

Kanoongo visited Sagar district, met grieving families of the victims, and subsequently held a closed-door meeting with the district administration and police to assess the state of the investigation and relief operations. He described the incident as 'unfortunate' and urged that the probe follow due legal process without political interference.

'Sagar district administration informed that doctors have not yet conclusively confirmed whether the deaths of these seven individuals were caused by alcohol consumption,' Kanoongo said, speaking to reporters in Sagar.

Compensation: A Two-Tier Structure

The government has put in place a two-tier relief framework. Families of the seven deceased whose cause of death remains inconclusive are to receive ₹2 lakh each. Families of those whose deaths have been conclusively linked to spurious liquor consumption are eligible for ₹4 lakh in compensation. Kanoongo said the NHRC would press the administration to ensure sanctioned amounts reach all affected families within the next two days.

Families Allege Probe Is Incomplete

During his interactions with victims' families, Kanoongo said he heard serious concerns about the investigation's scope. 'The families have complained that the names of suppliers linked to the larger liquor mafia have not been included in their statements, and no action has been taken. We have also urged the police to identify and take action against such persons,' he said.

Families also alleged that several agents involved in selling liquor across different villages remained absconding, even as arrests had been made. The NHRC member confirmed he had relayed these concerns to the police.

Background: The Banda-Shahgarh Incident

The tragedy came to light earlier this month after multiple people fell ill following suspected consumption of spurious liquor in villages in the Banda-Shahgarh area of Sagar district. Several were hospitalised and deaths were subsequently reported. The total number of casualties has remained disputed, with varying figures emerging as the investigation progressed.

Police have so far identified 33 accused in the case and arrested 18 of them. The ongoing probe is focused on dismantling the suspected network responsible for supplying and distributing illicit liquor in the region.

What Comes Next

With the NHRC now formally flagging accountability gaps — including absconding suppliers and uninvestigated mafia links — pressure on Madhya Pradesh authorities is set to intensify. Whether the final medical reports will alter the compensation framework or trigger additional criminal charges remains to be seen.