Dewas (Madhya Pradesh), Oct 26 (IANS) The Congress on Monday announced financial assistance of Rs 50,000 for each family of those who died in the alleged spurious liquor incident in Madhya Pradesh’s Dewas district, with Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar visiting Chandana village to meet the bereaved families.

Singhar met the families of the deceased and expressed his condolences. He also demanded Rs 25 lakh compensation from Chief Minister Mohan Yadav for each bereaved family and strict action against those responsible for the incident.

“On behalf of the Congress Legislature Party, we provided financial assistance of Rs 50,000 to the family of each deceased person. I also spoke to the Chief Minister and demanded financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh for each bereaved family and strict action against those responsible for this serious incident,” Singhar said in a statement.

The statement did not specify how many families received the financial assistance or the exact number of deaths he was referring to.

The incident in Chandana and neighbouring Binjana villages has triggered concern over reports of deaths and vision-related complications among residents. Families have alleged that some victims fell ill after consuming liquor, but a link between the deaths and spurious liquor has not been officially established.

The Dewas district administration has denied that the deaths were caused by poisonous liquor. It said 10 people died in Chandana between October 1 and 15 due to various reasons, including old age, illnesses, brain haemorrhage, accidental causes and pre-existing health conditions.

To establish the cause of death, viscera samples from two deceased persons were sent to a forensic science laboratory for examination. The findings are expected to help clarify whether the deaths were linked to liquor consumption.

Meanwhile, Ujjain Divisional Commissioner Ashish Singh constituted a five-member committee to investigate the deaths in Chandana and Binjana and examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The committee has been asked to submit its report within 15 days.

State Congress president Jitu Patwari has claimed that 22 people died and at least 40 suffered vision loss in the affected areas.

–IANS

pd/uk