In a devastating turn of events, the death toll in a suspected case of poisoning linked to the consumption of spurious liquor in Punjab’s Sangrur has surged to eight, officials revealed on Thursday.
According to authorities, four individuals are currently undergoing treatment at Sangrur Civil Hospital, while five others are admitted to Rajindra Hospital in Patiala.
Confirming the grim news, Sangrur Civil Surgeon Kirpal Singh disclosed that a total of eight fatalities have been recorded in the incident thus far.
This tragic development comes after police disclosed on Wednesday that five men had lost their lives allegedly due to consuming spurious liquor at Gujran village in Sangrur’s Dirba.
Law enforcement officials have already apprehended three individuals in connection with the incident. A case has been registered under section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code and the Excise Act, with investigations currently underway.In response to the alarming situation, the district administration has constituted a five-member committee to delve into the matter. The committee comprises the Dirba sub-divisional magistrate, two officers from Dirba police (including a deputy superintendent of police and a station house officer), a senior medical officer, and an excise and taxation officer.
The committee has been tasked with submitting a comprehensive report within 72 hours, as announced by Sangrur Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal on Wednesday.
Efforts to ascertain the extent of the situation included a survey conducted in Gujran village to identify any additional cases of health deterioration.
Meanwhile, former MLA Parminder Singh Dhindsa paid a visit to Sangrur Civil Hospital on Thursday to inquire about the well-being of the patients. He demanded the resignation of Dirba MLA and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, alongside calling for a judicial inquiry into the incident. Additionally, he urged for stringent action against those involved in the distribution of spurious liquor.
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for stringent measures to tackle the illicit liquor trade and ensure public safety. Authorities remain committed to bringing those responsible to justice and preventing such tragedies from recurring in the future.