Congress leaders with connections to liquor mafia must leave the state or go to jail

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has issued a stern warning to Congress leaders accused of being involved in the illegal liquor trade in the state. In an exclusive conversation with India Today, the Chief Minister stated that such leaders must either leave the state or be prepared to go to jail. He clarified that his government will not spare anyone involved in criminal activities, regardless of their political affiliation. He has pledged to take strict action against liquor mafias.

This aggressive stance follows a tragic incident that occurred in Dewas district on 2 November. In the incident, a police officer died and a constable was injured while attempting to intercept a truck carrying illegal liquor. According to an India Today report, Dilip Puri, the in-charge of Khategav Police Station, was allegedly run over by a truck driver near Narmada Dhaba close to Sandalpur crossing on the Indore-Betul highway. Dilip Puri died due to these serious injuries, while Constable Sohan was also injured.

Following the incident, the police launched an investigation, during which more than 1,800 litres of illegal liquor being sent from Timarni in Harda district to Gujarat was seized. The police have arrested three suspected members of the smuggling network, including the alleged operator Rahul Jaiswal, while the truck driver and cleaner remain absconding. Raids are being conducted in five districts of the state to identify and arrest other accused persons.

The incident has sparked political friction between the BJP and the Congress. The BJP has alleged that a Congress leader was involved with this network. Furthermore, the wife of the deceased officer, Dilip Puri, has also named a Congress leader, alleging that her husband received threats from that leader while he was posted at Sendhwa. On the other hand, Congress leaders have accused the government of allowing liquor mafias to operate under political protection.

Opposition leader Umang Singhare raised questions regarding the government's failure to break the liquor syndicate. Former Chief Minister Kamal Nath described the incident as an open declaration of the murder of law and order in the state. Congress state president Jitu Patwari also questioned the government's performance against the illegal liquor trade.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has ordered an impartial investigation into the entire matter. He has announced financial assistance of ₹1 crore for Dilip Puri's family. Additionally, he has directed that the deceased officer's wife be appointed as a Sub-Inspector on compassionate grounds. Meanwhile, Puri's family has demanded a CBI probe and strict punishment for those responsible. Currently, pressure is mounting on the government to take concrete action against the alleged nexus between mafias and politicians.