Karni Sena leader to history-sheeter: How Sagar’s hooch network worked

The police inquiry into the Sagar hooch deaths has transitioned from focusing on the village sellers who allegedly provided low-quality alcohol to investigating the individuals believed to be behind its production, including a Karni Sena leader, a licensed liquor contractor, and a history-sheeter from neighboring Uttar Pradesh. Authorities have identified 30 accused, with 17 arrests to date, according to recent police reports.

According to investigators, the operation entailed sourcing spirit and other materials, producing counterfeit liquor in agricultural fields, packaging it under a familiar brand, and distributing it through a network of sellers into villages. One of the alleged suppliers, police claim, consumed the liquor himself and died. Central to the operation was Chandrabhan Singh Rajput, known as Chandu, a Tatarwara resident and prime suspect who serves as the divisional president of the Karni Sena.

Police describe Chandrabhan as having collaborated with Manish Lodhi, a licensed liquor contractor operating in Barethi, and Shivanjay Rajput, Chandrabhan's relative. During questioning, it emerged that Chandrabhan, Manish, and Shivanjay had conspired to produce the liquor using spirit obtained and brought to a maize field. Tracing the manufacture of the illicit liquor, authorities have reportedly recovered empty bottles, labels, and other material used in the alleged production and packaging.

The investigation led authorities to Ravi Lakhera, a 45-year-old suspect and history-sheeter who had been wanted in connection with the case. Lakhera was apprehended on Friday after exchanging fire with police, who returned fire, injuring him in the leg before making the arrest. Police recovered a homemade 12-bore pistol, cartridges, spent casings, and a motorcycle, while two alleged accomplices fled during the confrontation.

Manish Lodhi, who allegedly procured materials for making the liquor, worked alongside Lakhera to source the spirit and manufacture the illicit liquor.