A total of at least 21 persons have lost their lives in the Amritsar district of Punjab after drinking illicit liquor, the third big hooch tragedy in the state in the past five years.
Victims from Multiple Villages in Majitha Subdivision of Punjab
The victims were from the Bhangali, Patalpuri, Marari Kalan, and Therewal villages in the Majitha subdivision in Amritsar, after locals drank spurious liquor. A number of persons were also hospitalized earlier on Tuesday.
The police have initiated an investigation and have arrested nine suspects and suspended four officials who were part of the case, including the excise and taxation officer and the deputy superintendent of police in the district. The police also found that methanol has been purchased in bulk online to prepare the hooch.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s Statement
In a post on X, Punjab’s chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The sad news of the death of many people due to consumption of poisoned liquor has been received in the villages around Majitha. These killers of innocent people will not be spared at any cost. These are not deaths, but murders. These culprits who create mourning atmosphere in people’s homes with poisonous liquor will be punished strictly according to the law.”
He added, “I pray to God for the peace of the departed souls. The government stands with the affected families and will provide all possible help.”
Opposition parties criticized the Aam Admi Party government after 21 individuals died from drinking hooch in Punjab, alleging that the government had failed to curb the manufacturing of illicit liquor and the liquor mafia.
They demanded the resignation of Punjab’s CM Bhagwant Singh Mann and state excise minister Harpal Singh Cheema.
Congress Leader Partap Singh Bajwa’s Remarks
Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa said in a post on X, “Where is the so-called Yudh Nasheyan De Virodh now? @AAPPunjab govt has utterly failed to control the liquor mafia.”
The Punjab government had been conducting an anti-drug drive – Yudh Nasheyan De Virodh (war against drugs) – for the past 70 days.
“The CM, who is also Home Minister, is too busy with PR while illegal trade thrives. This is not governance this is criminal negligence. How many more lives will it take?” added Bajwa.
SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal’s Response
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal called the incident a “man-made tragedy” and accused the state of sponsoring the disaster.
“Illegal distilleries are flourishing, and innocent lives are being snuffed out. Where are our task forces, @BhagwantMann?” he said in a post on X.
He added, “This exposes the hollowness of your ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ slogan. Your inaction is criminal. You have no right to remain in office if you cannot curb this menace.”
