Sagar, Madhya Pradesh
Police have achieved a major breakthrough in the investigation into the spurious liquor case in Sagar. Manish Lodhi, alias Yashwant Thakur, one of the key accused in the case, was arrested after an encounter early Wednesday morning. According to police, Manish sustained a gunshot wound to his leg during retaliatory firing. His associate, Ashish Sahu, was also injured. Police had announced a ₹30,000 reward for information leading to Manish’s arrest.
According to police, the encounter took place near a ghat on the Nonia-Sesai Road in the Malthone police station area. Both injured accused were taken to a hospital for treatment. Police are now questioning them to gather information about the supply of spurious liquor and identify other people allegedly linked to the case.
Police Launched a Cordon Based on Informer’s Tip
According to Superintendent of Police Anurag Sujania, police received information from an informer that Manish Lodhi and Ashish Sahu would be travelling by motorcycle toward the Madawara-Nonia area. Following the tip-off, teams from the Banda and Vinayaka police stations were alerted and a cordon was established along a suspected route.
Police said the two accused were spotted arriving on a motorcycle at around 3 a.m. on Wednesday. The police team allegedly signalled them to stop. According to police, the accused then opened fire at the police team, following which officers retaliated. Manish Lodhi was hit in the leg during the exchange of fire.
Associate Injured While Trying to Escape
According to police, Ashish Sahu, who was accompanying Manish, also attempted to flee during the encounter. He reportedly fell while trying to escape and sustained injuries. Police subsequently apprehended both men and took them to a hospital for treatment.
Police also said that a motorcycle and other items were recovered from the spot following the encounter. Authorities are investigating the entire sequence of events.
Accused of Supplying Spurious Liquor
Manish Lodhi has been named among the key accused in the Sagar spurious liquor case. According to police, he was associated with a liquor outlet and is accused of supplying spurious liquor to villages in the area.
Following Manish’s arrest, police are expected to investigate the alleged liquor supply chain and identify other people connected to it. A ₹30,000 reward had been announced for his arrest.
Police have already taken action against several people in connection with the spurious liquor case. Based on Manish Lodhi’s interrogation, further arrests or revelations could emerge. The investigation is currently ongoing.
