At least 14 people have died and six others are undergoing treatment after allegedly consuming spurious liquor in Punjab’s Majitha block, sparking fresh outrage and prompting an urgent response from authorities.
The tragedy unfolded late Monday night, with victims primarily from five villages—Bhangali Kalan, Thariewal, Sangha, and Marari Kalan—falling critically ill shortly after consuming locally-sourced liquor. The incident has once again cast a grim spotlight on the rampant sale of illicit alcohol in rural Punjab.
Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney, who personally visited Amritsar Civil Hospital to oversee the response, called it a “deeply unfortunate incident.”
"An unfortunate tragedy has happened in Majitha. We got to know yesterday night, we received reports from 5 villages that those who consumed liquor yesterday are in critical condition. We rushed our medical teams. Our medical teams are still going door-to-door," Sawhney told ANI.
She added that the administration is not taking any chances, even escorting asymptomatic individuals to hospitals for precautionary check-ups. “Whether people have some symptoms or not, we are taking them to hospital so that we can save them. 14 people have died so far. Govt is extending all the help possible. We are ensuring that this death toll doesn't increase,” she said.
The local police have arrested two prime suspects, Prabhjit Singh and Sahib Singh, believed to be the main suppliers of the toxic liquor. Additionally, four others who allegedly distributed the alcohol to villagers have also been taken into custody. A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered, and a detailed investigation is currently underway.
According to Hindustan Times, samples of the suspected liquor have been sent for forensic testing, and officials are working to trace the full supply chain involved.
