Amritsar, Punjab:At least 14 people have died and several others remain critically ill after allegedly consuming spurious liquor in five villages of Punjab’s Amritsar district. The incident has prompted a swift response from authorities, including the arrest of four individuals linked to the illegal alcohol supply chain.
The deaths were reported from the villages of Bhangali, Patalpuri, Marari Kalan, Therewal, and Talwandi Ghuman. According to officials, many of the victims were daily-wage laborers employed at local brick kilns.
Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney confirmed the fatalities and said Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Maninder Singh had visited the affected areas to monitor the situation.
Speaking to ANI, SSP Maninder Singh stated:
“We received information around 9:30 pm last night that people have started dying after consuming spurious liquor. We took action immediately and rounded up four people.”
Among those arrested is the alleged primary distributor, Parabjeet Singh.
“We arrested the main supplier, Parabjeet Singh. Upon interrogation, he revealed the identity of the kingpin, Sahab Singh. The investigation is ongoing. The Punjab government has directed that strict action be taken against those involved in the manufacture and sale of spurious liquor,” Singh added.
Authorities have also reported that residents in nearby villages — Bhullar, Tangra, and Sandha — may have consumed the same toxic batch of illicit alcohol. Many are experiencing severe symptoms, including vomiting and loss of consciousness. Approximately 10 to 15 individuals are in serious condition and have been admitted to the government hospital in Amritsar.
In response, the civil administration and police have launched door-to-door health checks across the Majitha region, aiming to identify and treat any additional cases. Two First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Punjab Excise Act, with stringent sections invoked due to the gravity of the offence.
Senior officials, including the MLA from Majitha, have visited the affected families, and a formal investigation has been launched to trace the source and distribution network of the toxic liquor.
This incident has once again highlighted the recurring threat of spurious alcohol in rural Punjab, raising urgent questions about regulatory oversight and enforcement in the illicit liquor trade.
The state government has assured the public that no leniency will be shown toward those responsible.
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