at-least-15-dead-after-consuming-spurious-liquor-in-amritsar

At least 21 people have died and several others hospitalised after consuming spurious liquor in the Majitha subdivision of Amritsar district. This is the third major hooch tragedy in the state in the past five years. The deaths were reported in Bhangali, Patalpuri, Marari Kalan and Therewal villages on Tuesday.

Having initiated an inquiry into the hooch tragedy, the police have arrested 10 people. Four officials have been suspended, including an Excise and Taxation Officer and a DSP. The police said methanol had been bought in bulk online to prepare the illicit liquor.

In a post on X, Punjab 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 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.”

Assuring that the government stands with the affected families and will provide them all possible help, Mann said, “I pray to God for the peace of the departed souls.”

Govt failed to control liquor mafia: Opposition

Responding to the tragedy, Opposition parties accused the Aam Aadmi Party-led government of failing to control the production of illicit liquor and check the liquor mafia. They sought the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Excise Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.

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?” said Bajwa.

 

Also Read: 21 dead after consuming illicit liquor in Amritsar