BHOPAL: Police in Madhya Pradesh’s Dewas district have arrested 11 people in an alleged illicit liquor racket after 13 deaths in two villages, while forensic tests are awaited to establish a link.
The investigation has named 26-year-old Ajay Rathore as the prime accused. According to the police findings described in the supplied report, Rathore used artificial intelligence platforms around September 27 and 28 to research methods of making liquor at home. He subsequently searched for chemical suppliers online and contacted Rising Brothers, a solvent trading business in Indore. The chemical consignment was reportedly delivered on October 1, 2026.
Investigators allege that Rathore and his associates used old bottles of licensed liquor purchased from scrap dealers to package the illegally produced alcohol. The product was reportedly mixed with genuine liquor before being sold in rural areas. Police are also examining whether people connected with licensed liquor businesses assisted in obtaining genuine alcohol or other materials used in the operation.
As of October 28, police had arrested 11 people, including Rathore and alleged chemical supplier Aman Kasliwal. Another person, identified as Govind in the supplied report, was absconding. The warehouse from which the chemical was allegedly obtained has been sealed, and samples have been collected for forensic examination. Investigators are also examining the source of the chemicals, bottle caps and distribution network.
The deaths of 13 people in Chandana and Binjana villages prompted the investigation. The suspected consumption of spurious liquor is being examined as a possible cause, but police have not established a direct connection between the deaths and the seized product. Forensic examination of the liquor samples and viscera specimens is required to determine the substances involved.
The accused were initially booked under Section 34(2) of the Madhya Pradesh Excise Act, 1915, with Section 49(a) subsequently invoked in connection with the alleged illegal production of liquor. The District Excise Officer was suspended on October 27 over alleged negligence. The district Collector and Superintendent of Police were also transferred by the State Government. The investigation is continuing into the alleged supply chain and the possible involvement of other individuals.
