Liquor Offences Account For 33% Of Crimes In Madhya Pradesh

In Madhya Pradesh, the number of crimes has decreased over the past three years, but liquor-related offences continue to be the most prevalent. These offences include the sale, purchase, transport, and consumption of spurious liquor, illicit liquor, roadside boozing, and drunk driving.

In 2023, more than 4.94 lakh cases were registered in the state, which decreased to 4.49 lakh in 2024 and 4.35 lakh in 2025. Despite this decrease, liquor-related crimes accounted for 33% of the total crimes registered in the state.

Recently, over 32 people lost their lives due to the consumption of spurious liquor in Banda, Sagar district. The police department claims that the overall crime rate is dropping in the state, indicating an improvement in the law and order situation. However, they tend to avoid discussing illicit liquor trading.

The nature of cases registered in police stations across the state reveals that the maximum number of cases are related to petty disputes, with over 1.15 lakh cases registered in 2025 where the victim received minor injuries. The second-largest category is related to excise department cases, with over 80,000 cases registered in 2025, involving roadside boozing, liquor transport, and similar offences.

The third category is related to careless driving, with over 45,000 FIRs registered in 2025. Under the MP Excise Act, unlawful manufacture, transport, or sale of liquor can attract imprisonment for six months to one year.

In 2021, the Madhya Pradesh Assembly passed the Madhya Pradesh Excise (Amendment) Bill, introducing the death penalty and life imprisonment for deaths caused by spurious liquor. This amendment was made after 24 people died and several others suffered severe side effects due to spurious liquor.

In November 2025, a local court in Jaura, Morena district, convicted 14 men involved in manufacturing and selling toxic liquor, sentencing them to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment along with fines.

The prevalence of liquor-related crimes in Madhya Pradesh highlights the need for stricter enforcement of the Excise Act and more effective measures to prevent the manufacture and sale of spurious liquor.

The state's law and order situation has shown improvement, but the persistence of liquor-related crimes remains a concern. The police department's efforts to reduce crime rates are noteworthy, but they must also address the issue of illicit liquor trading.

In conclusion, the high percentage of liquor-related crimes in Madhya Pradesh is a significant concern that requires attention from the authorities. The state must take measures to prevent the manufacture and sale of spurious liquor and ensure that those involved in such activities are punished accordingly.

The Madhya Pradesh government's amendment to the Excise Act, introducing stricter penalties for those involved in spurious liquor trade, is a step in the right direction. However, more needs to be done to address this issue and reduce the number of liquor-related crimes in the state.

Overall, the situation highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach to address the issue of liquor-related crimes in Madhya Pradesh, involving stricter enforcement, public awareness, and rehabilitation programs for those affected by liquor consumption.