Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, directed state police to intensify operations against drug trafficking, illicit liquor networks and illegal weapons across the state, days before Diwali. The directive came during a high-level review meeting convened in the wake of the killing of a police officer during an anti-smuggling operation in Dewas district.

Officer Killed in the Line of Duty

The meeting was triggered by the death of Khategaon police station in-charge Dilip Puri, who was run over by a truck allegedly transporting illicit liquor on the Indore-Betul highway in Dewas district early Monday. A police constable was also injured in the incident. The vehicle, officials said, was carrying more than 1,800 litres of liquor hidden in a specially constructed compartment.

The case has sharply brought into focus the safety of enforcement personnel operating against entrenched smuggling networks in the state. This comes amid a series of suspected hooch deaths reported in Dewas district in September and October, pointing to a persistent and organised illicit liquor supply chain.

Crackdown Across Five Districts

Chairing the review meeting with senior police officers at his official residence in Bhopal, Chief Minister Yadav said coordinated operations had been launched across five districts. 'Across five districts, we have apprehended the criminals involved in this matter through various operations. The owner of the truck used in the crime has also been apprehended,' he said.

Police have so far arrested three persons, including the alleged kingpin of the smuggling network. The truck driver, identified as Gajendra alias Akku Rawat, remained at large as of Tuesday. Investigators have expanded the search to neighbouring Gujarat, suspecting he may have fled across state lines.

The investigation has revealed an inter-district and inter-state smuggling network with suspected links across Harda, Dewas, Indore and other districts. Multiple police teams are conducting raids to dismantle the operation.

Compensation and Support for Slain Officer's Family

Chief Minister Yadav announced that the family of the deceased officer would receive ₹1 crore in financial assistance. His wife will be offered a compassionate appointment as a Sub-Inspector in the state police department, Yadav confirmed.

Diwali Vigil and 2029 Anti-Drug Target

The Chief Minister directed police to maintain heightened vigilance during the upcoming Diwali festivities and deal firmly with crimes involving illegal weapons, explosives, drugs and liquor. He also reiterated the state government's target of eliminating the drug menace by 2029, in line with the broader policy direction under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Notably, this is at least the second major crackdown review in Madhya Pradesh in recent months tied to illicit liquor deaths, suggesting that while enforcement is intensifying, supply networks remain resilient. The coming weeks will test whether the statewide directive translates into sustained operational pressure or remains a short-term response to a high-profile killing.