A tragic incident occurred in Punjab’s Amritsar district, where 15 people lost their lives after drinking illegally made liquor. Nearly 10 more people are in critical condition, according to police. The victims are from villages in Majitha block, including Bhangali Kalan, Thariewal, Sangha, and Marari Kalan.
Victims Admitted to Hospital
The critically ill have been admitted to the Amritsar Civil Hospital. On visiting the hospital, Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney confirmed the death toll. She also warned that the number of fatalities could increase further.
Police: All Victims Bought Liquor from Same Source
According to Majitha Station House Officer (SHO) Aabtaab Singh, all the affected villagers bought the liquor from one supplier on Sunday evening. Singh said, “Some of them died on Monday morning, and locals cremated them without informing the police. Some people hid the fact and said the victims died of heart attack. We received information about the deaths late on Monday.”
Government Registers FIRs, Arrests Main Accused
A Punjab government spokesperson confirmed that two FIRs have been filed. The main accused, Prabhjit Singh and Sahib Singh, were arrested from Rajasansi. The police also detained four others who bought liquor from the main suppliers and sold it in the villages.
Probe Expands Beyond Punjab
The investigation is not limited to local sources. Officials have expanded the probe to other states to trace the firms involved in supplying the illicit liquor, the spokesperson added.
Tragic Reminder of 2020 Hooch Disaster
This incident brings back memories of a major hooch tragedy five years ago. In July and August 2020, around 130 people died in Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, and Amritsar after drinking poisonous alcohol. At the time, Tarn Taran alone reported around 80 deaths, and several victims lost their eyesight.
