Dewas — A five-member panel formed by the Ujjain divisional commissioner will independently probe the disputed deaths in Chandana and Binjana villages of Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district and submit a factual report within 15 days, officials said on Sunday. The panel draws its members from outside Dewas district.

Source: Particle News

Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda said on Sunday that post-mortem reports found no trace of spurious liquor in the deaths. Of the total 10 deaths, eight were natural and the post-mortem reports of the remaining two also confirmed no trace of spurious liquor, Devda said, according to IANS.

Source: IANS via The Freedom Press

What is established and what is contested

What is solid

  • A series of deaths was reported in Chandana and Binjana villages of Dewas district between late September and mid-October.
  • Viscera samples have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory, and its report is awaited.
  • A five-member inquiry panel has been ordered, with a report due within 15 days.

What is only claimed

  • Families and villagers allege the deaths followed consumption of spurious liquor, citing symptoms such as vomiting, blurred vision and loss of sight — the administration disputes a liquor link.
  • The Congress alleges a higher toll of nearly 22 deaths; officials have acknowledged about 10 deaths and a district official called reports of 15 to 20 liquor deaths misleading.

Villagers and the families of the deceased have alleged that the deaths may be linked to spurious liquor, citing symptoms such as blurred vision, complete loss of sight, restlessness and vomiting after drinking. State Congress president Jitu Patwari and former minister Arun Yadav visited the affected villages on Saturday and met the families.

Source: IANS via The Freedom Press

Arun Yadav demanded compensation of Rs 1 crore (yaani 100 lakh rupees) to the family of each deceased person, the immediate suspension of officials found guilty, and strict action against those involved in the illicit liquor trade. He alleged the district administration had initially dismissed the reports and was attempting to cover up the truth — an allegation the administration has not accepted.

Source: IANS via The Freedom Press

District officials said viscera samples were sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory and that further legal action would follow only after the technical findings. The cause of the deaths remains officially unconfirmed until the laboratory report and the panel's findings are in.

Source: Nation Press