A devastating tragedy has struck Punjab’s Amritsar district, as the consumption of illicit liquor has claimed the lives of at least 17 people, leaving six others in critical condition. The grim toll, reported from the villages of Bhangali, Patalpuri, Marari Kalan, and Therewal, has ignited widespread outrage and accusations of administrative negligence. Investigations have revealed that the deadly brew was concocted using methanol, procured in bulk through online channels, highlighting the insidious nature of the illicit liquor trade.
The gravity of the situation prompted Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to issue a stern condemnation, labeling the deaths “murders” and vowing that those responsible would face severe consequences. The tragedy has also become a focal point for political discord, with opposition parties vehemently criticizing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, accusing them of failing to curb the alleged liquor mafia and demanding the resignations of Mann and Excise Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.
Amidst the escalating crisis, the Amritsar district administration swiftly deployed medical teams to conduct door-to-door checks in the affected villages, aiming to identify and assist individuals who may have consumed the tainted liquor. Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney revealed that the victims were predominantly daily wage laborers, highlighting the vulnerability of economically marginalized communities to such tragedies. This incident marks the second major hooch tragedy in Punjab within a year, following a similar incident in Sangrur district in March 2024, which claimed 20 lives. The 2020 Tarn Taran, Amritsar, and Batala tragedy, which saw 120 deaths, further underscores the recurring nature of this problem.
In response to the tragedy, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav announced the suspension of the Deputy Superintendent of Police and the Station House Officer of Majitha for negligence. He emphasized the swift action taken by the Punjab Police, stating that nine individuals, including the alleged kingpin of the racket and several local distributors, have been arrested. “An FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Excise Act,” Yadav stated, adding that departmental inquiries have been initiated against the suspended officers.
The arrested individuals include Prabhjit Singh, identified as the main accused, as well as Kulbir Singh, Sahib Singh, Gurjant Singh, and Ninder Kaur. The investigation has revealed that Prabhjit Singh procured 50 liters of methanol, which he then diluted and sold in two-liter packets. Authorities are now actively tracing and seizing these packets to prevent further consumption
Deputy Commissioner Sawhney, along with Deputy Inspector General of Police (Border Range) Satinder Singh and Jalandhar Rural Senior Superintendent of Police Maninder Singh, visited the affected villages to assess the situation and meet with the victims’ families. Sawhney assured the affected families of the administration’s full support and emphasized the importance of medical check-ups, even for those who are asymptomatic.
The investigation has uncovered that Sahib Singh was instrumental in ordering the methanol online and subsequently distributing it, shedding light on the organized nature of the illicit liquor trade. The authorities are now focused on dismantling the entire network and bringing all those involved to justice. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of spurious liquor consumption and the urgent need for stringent measures to combat the illegal trade.
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