Women protested against a liquor shop in a Dalit settlement, and the police resorted to lathi charge – what is this controversy in Sagar Khurai, MP?
Villagers protested the opening of a liquor shop in Khurai by sitting on the road. Locals say the liquor shop poses a threat to society and youth.
Published on:
05 Apr 2026, 10:56 am
Sagar: Local residents staged another protest in the Talaiya Naka ward of the district’s Khurai region, demanding the removal of a liquor shop located in a residential area of the Ahirwar community. Residents say the shop is adversely affecting children and youth and is located in a socially inappropriate location.
The administration was previously notified through several memorandums, after which the administration promised to remove the shop within 15 days. However, despite the expiry of the deadline, the shop remained unmoved, leading to a road blockade by residents. According to local media reports, when the shop was attempted to be reopened, local residents, including women, protested. Some women pelted stones at the shop and even burned liquor crates.
During the protest, the Deputy Tehsildar and a large police force arrived at the scene. A fierce clash broke out between the protesters and the police. Police teams remained at the scene until late at night, controlling the situation. Residents reiterated their demand for the complete removal of the shop and stated that they would not allow it to operate in a residential area under any circumstances. A large number of women, men, and children participated in the protest.
Azad Samaj Party and Bhim Army activists shared the incident on social media, claiming that the police used force against women and girls who were peacefully protesting. They demanded a high-level investigation, action against the guilty officials, and immediate removal of the shop from Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and Sagar Collector. They also warned of a widespread protest if any unjust action was taken against innocent citizens.
Under the Madhya Pradesh government’s new Excise Policy 2026-27 (effective April 1, 2026), no new liquor shops will be opened in the state. Existing shops will also not be expanded or relocated. The policy aims to increase transparency, protect revenue, and maintain restrictions around holy places. In this case, the issue of whether the shop will be opened on a new allotment or on the site of an existing shop appears to be the issue that has sparked ongoing local protests.
The administration had previously promised to remove the shop from the residential area, but the lack of implementation fueled tensions. Bhim Army leader Sunil Astey demanded action from the government, stating, “If any unfair or false action is taken against innocent citizens, a massive public movement will be launched within democratic and constitutional framework, for which the administration will be fully responsible.”
