Alcohol bottles greet residents at dawn in Jabalpur’s Baba Tola:17 die in 2 years; elderly woman mourns 2 sons lost to addiction, despite warnings

The Baba Tola locality in Jabalpur has seen 17 deaths over the past two years, mostly among young men. Preliminary investigations indicate that excessive alcohol consumption is the primary cause. Residents allege that illegal liquor is sold openly, fuelling widespread addiction. Local communities have demanded the removal of liquor outlets, prompting the police and administration to take action. Early morning in Baba Tola At 7 AM, the narrow lanes of Baba Tola smell strongly of alcohol. Silence surrounds some houses. Pictures of the deceased hang on doors. This neighbourhood has lost 17 people between January 2024 and January 2026. Some died of illness, others suddenly fell ill and passed away. Investigation links deaths to alcohol When authorities noticed the high number of deaths, they launched an investigation. The report revealed that most residents consume alcohol heavily. Alcohol is considered the main reason behind many deaths. Residents speak: Addiction is everywhere Dainik Bhaskar surveyed the settlement. Almost every lane has lost someone. An elderly woman lost both her young sons. She says she warned them repeatedly, but they drank secretly. Women in the area say alcohol appears in the early morning. They tried to stop their sons and husbands, but addiction was stronger than their warnings. Empty liquor bottles are found lying in streets every morning. Villagers protest at SP office On December 30, residents of Baba Tola reached the SP office with posters of the deceased. They said illegal liquor is sold for Rs 50–50 in the area. They also complained that police and administration were unaware of it. Residents said drinkers gather on roads and near schools, anganwadis, and temples. Public spaces are crowded with addicts, making it difficult for women and children to move freely. Tragedy in one family: 2 brothers lost Elderly woman Maya Bai Chaudhary lost both her sons. Arun died on 26 March 2024, and Surendra on 17 October 2025. Both were labourers. Whenever they earned money, they spent it on alcohol. By 7 AM, they were often heavily intoxicated. They had been drinking for many years. When told not to, they drank secretly. Doctors advised them to stop, but they did not listen. Maya Bai says alcohol is easily available in the area, which encourages the youth to drink. Long-term addiction claims more lives Rajkumari Chaudhary says her brother-in-law, Pradeep Chaudhary, drank heavily for 5–6 years. Despite repeated warnings, he continued. His health deteriorated and he died during treatment for liver damage caused by alcohol. Avinash Chaudhary says his elder brother also drank constantly and died a few years ago. His father had also passed away due to alcohol. Police and Excise begin investigation Following the deaths, the police and excise department started investigating. The administration concluded that most deaths were due to alcohol consumption or suicide linked to depression. Residents demand removal of liquor shop On 30 December 2025, locals submitted a memorandum to the Collector. They demanded the liquor shop in Baba Tola be removed. The Collector instructed the Excise Department to shift the shop to another location. ASP promises crackdown on illegal liquor ASP Ayush Gupta said the causes of deaths are being investigated further. Police have been instructed to act against illegal liquor immediately. Hanuman Tal and Belbagh police stations will coordinate with administration to crack down on illicit alcohol. Alcohol addiction remains a challenge Residents warn that alcohol addiction is widespread. The sale of cheap, illegal liquor fuels the problem. Authorities are now taking steps, but the community says more continuous action is needed to prevent further deaths.