A tragic case of spurious liquor consumption has claimed 14 lives and left six others hospitalised across five villages in the Majitha block of Amritsar, Punjab Police confirmed on Tuesday.
The incident unfolded on the night of May 12, prompting an immediate response from both medical and law enforcement authorities. Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney said emergency teams were dispatched as soon as reports surfaced of villagers falling critically ill after consuming illicit alcohol.
“An unfortunate tragedy has occurred in Majitha. Our medical teams rushed to the affected villages and are still conducting door-to-door screenings. Whether individuals show symptoms or not, we are ensuring they are taken to hospitals as a preventive measure,” Sawhney said.
She confirmed 14 deaths so far, adding, “The government is extending all possible assistance. Our primary focus is on ensuring that the death toll does not rise further.”
Police have arrested five individuals in connection with the case, including the main distributor of the illicit liquor, identified as Prabhjeet Singh. His brother Kulbir Singh alias Jaggu, along with Sahib Singh alias Sarai, Gurjant Singh, and Ninder Kaur, have also been detained for their roles in distributing the toxic alcohol.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Maninder Singh said law enforcement responded swiftly after receiving information around 9:30 pm on Monday. “We took immediate action and arrested the main supplier. Interrogation led us to another major supplier, Sahib Singh, who has also been taken into custody,” he said.
Two First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 61A of the Punjab Excise Act, targeting both manufacturers and distributors of the illicit liquor. SSP Singh emphasized that stringent action will be taken and raids are underway to track down the full network.
“We are working tirelessly to identify all those involved in this distribution chain. Our aim is to dismantle the entire illegal supply network, and we will ensure strict punishment under the law,” he added.
Authorities are continuing door-to-door checks in the affected villages to identify others who may have consumed the contaminated liquor, in a bid to prevent further loss of life.
