Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann took steps on Sunday to address the devastating consequences of a alleged spurious liquor consumption incident that claimed lives in Gujran village, Sangrur district. In a visit to the affected area, he met with the bereaved families and assured them of justice.
Expressing the gravity of the situation, Mann revealed that the police have initiated a murder case in connection with the tragedy. “FIR under Section 302 (of the IPC) has been registered against 10 accused. Killing somebody by giving poison is a murder,” he emphasized, signaling the severity of the offense.
Mann reiterated his government’s commitment to apprehend those involved in the illicit liquor trade. His remarks come amidst mounting pressure from opposition parties, particularly the BJP, which has accused the AAP-led administration of negligence.
Notably, BJP’s national general secretary Tarun Chugh alleged a systemic “liquor scam” facilitated by the ruling AAP government, further intensifying the political controversy surrounding the incident.
In response to calls for accountability, Excise Minister Harpal Singh Cheema visited Sangrur to extend support to the affected families. “We stand by these families. Whatever support they require, we will provide,” Cheema assured, echoing the government’s commitment to assisting the victims.
To ensure a thorough investigation, a four-member special investigation team (SIT) led by Additional Director General of Police Gurinder Singh Dhillon has been constituted. Addressing media in Chandigarh, Dhillon underscored the seriousness of the offense by invoking Section 61-A of the Excise Act, punishable with life imprisonment or the death penalty.
According to authorities, the tragedy has resulted in 20 casualties across several villages in the Sangrur district, with additional individuals receiving medical treatment for suspected liquor poisoning.
As investigations continue and efforts to provide support to the affected families intensify, Punjab remains gripped by the aftermath of this tragic event, prompting renewed calls for stringent measures against the illicit liquor trade.