Amritsar Hooch Tragedy Claims 15 Lives, Death Toll Likely to Rise

A devastating hooch tragedy has struck several villages in the Majitha block of Amritsar, claiming the lives of at least 15 people, with a dozen others reported to be in critical condition. Authorities fear the death toll may rise as more information emerges and individuals who consumed the illicit liquor seek medical attention.

The victims, primarily from the villages of Bhangali Kalan, Thariewal, Sangha, and Marari Kalan, allegedly consumed the spurious liquor on Sunday evening. The first deaths were reported on Monday morning, with some locals proceeding with cremations without initially informing the police, according to Majitha Station House Officer Aabtaab Singh. It was only later on Monday that authorities received concrete information about the multiple fatalities.

Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney visited the civil hospital where the critically ill are receiving treatment. Confirming the current death toll, she described the incident as an “unfortunate tragedy” and assured that the government is extending all possible help to the affected families. Efforts are underway to ensure the death toll does not escalate further.

Preliminary investigations suggest that all the victims procured the liquor from a single source. Swift action by the police has led to the arrest of six individuals so far, including the alleged main suppliers, Prabhjit Singh and Sahib Singh, who were apprehended from Rajasansi. Four others who reportedly bought the liquor from these suppliers and distributed it in the villages have also been taken into custody.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Amritsar (Rural) Maninder Singh stated that the police received information late Monday night about the deaths. “We took immediate action and rounded up four people. We arrested the main supplier, Prabhjeet Singh. During interrogation, he revealed the name of the kingpin supplier, Sahab Singh, who has also been apprehended,” SSP Singh informed the media. He further added that investigations are in progress to trace the source of the methanol, a highly toxic substance often found in spurious liquor, and to identify any other individuals or firms involved in the supply chain.

A Punjab government spokesperson confirmed that two First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered in connection with the incident, invoking stringent sections of the law. Investigating teams have also initiated probes in neighboring states to identify potential sources of the illicit liquor. Door-to-door checks are being conducted in the affected villages to identify anyone else who may have consumed the deadly brew, and health teams are working to provide immediate medical assistance.

This tragic incident has brought back grim memories of a similar hooch tragedy in 2020 that claimed around 130 lives in the districts of Tarn Taran, Amritsar, and Gurdaspur. Despite previous crackdowns on illicit liquor operations, this latest incident underscores the persistent challenge faced by authorities in curbing this dangerous trade.

The incident has triggered widespread condemnation, with calls for stricter enforcement and more stringent measures to prevent the manufacture and sale of spurious liquor. The focus now remains on providing the best possible medical care to those who are critically ill and on ensuring a thorough investigation to bring all those responsible to justice. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to dismantling the illicit liquor networks operating in the region and preventing any further loss of life.