CHIEF Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan ordered to remove Morena Collector and Superintendent of Police in the wake of Morena hooch tragedy. Instructions for suspension of SDOP of concerned area has also been issued. Excise Officer has already been suspended.

 

Meanwhile, six more people have died after consuming spurious liquor, raising the toll to 20, a police official said. “The death toll is now 20 as six more people died after consumption of spurious liquor by villagers in Morena,” Deputy Inspector General, Chambal range, Rajesh Hingankar said. Besides, 21 other people are currently undergoing treatment in Morena and Gwalior, he said. Chouhan chaired a high-level meeting at his residence to take stock of the situation on Wednesday. The Chief Minister said that incident of Morena is inhuman and painful. Campaign against adulteration is on in State, yet this unfortunate incident occurred.

 

He said, this entire matter should be investigated and report should be submitted. He warned officials that such incidents should not be repeated. Other districts should also be aware. In such cases the Collector, SP will be held responsible. Action will also be taken against the guilty officers. The Chief Minister said, “I cannot remain a mute spectator to such incidents. Strict campaign against drug mafia should continue. Campaigns against illegal liquor should be launched all over the State. There should be total control over illegal liquor sale. Those who are engaged in this business should be destroyed.” Moreover, the CM sought detailed information about incident from Director General of Police.

 

Instructions were also issued to investigate manufacturing centre of the adulterated liquor consumed in the incident in Morena district and for action against guilty persons, as well as concerned distillery. He also gave instructions to make changes in post of excise and police staff after a certain period of time. He said that the system of giving overtime to the excise staff and OIC posted for distillery should also be changed. Home Minister Dr Narottam Mishra, Commercial Tax and Finance Minister Jagdish Deora, Chief Secretary Iqbal Singh Bains, Director General of Police Vivek Johri, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Dr Rajesh Rajaura, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Manish Rastogi and Principal Secretary, Commercial Tax Department, Deepali Rastogi were present in the meeting. Meanwhile, the police registered a case against seven persons in connection with the incident and declared a reward of Rs 10,000 each for their arrest, an official said.