At least 17 people have died and several others have been hospitalised after allegedly consuming spurious liquor in the Majitha area of Amritsar in Punjab late Monday night. Police have launched a probe into the matter and have detained four people for questioning. Two FIRs have been registered.
The deaths have occurred in five villages -- Bhangali, Patalpuri, Marari Kalan, Therewal and Talwandi Ghuman.
Police raids suspected locations to find manufacturers
SSP Amritsar Maninder Singh said the Punjab government has issued strict instructions to take stern action against those involved in the supply and manufacturing of spurious liquor following the tragic incident in Majitha. He further confirmed that raids are currently underway across suspected locations to find the manufacturers.
"We received information around 9:30 pm last night that here people have started dying after consuming spurious liquor. We took action immediately and rounded up four people. We arrested the main supplier, Parabjeet Singh. We interrogated him and found out about the kingpin supplier, Sahab Singh. We have rounded him up as well. We are investigating regarding which all firms he has bought this...we have been given strict instructions from the Punjab government that strict action must be taken against suppliers of spurious liquor. Raids are underway...manufacturers will be rounded up soon. Two FIRs have been registered under stringent sessions...civil administration, and we are going door to door to find out more people who have consumed this to avoid further casualties and save people. 14 deaths have been confirmed and 6 people are currently hospitalised. This incident took place in 5 villages," said Singh.
Suppliers arrested
Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney said that authorities are taking all necessary steps to ensure that the death toll does not rise following the tragic incident involving spurious liquor in Majitha. She also confirmed that the police have arrested the suppliers and further investigation is underway.
"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. Whether people have some symptoms or not, we are taking them to the hospital so that we can save them. 14 people have died so far. The government is extending all the help possible. We are ensuring that this death toll doesn't increase...we have arrested the suppliers and further investigation is underway," she said.
Also Read: After IndiGo, Air India cancels flights from Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar today, issues advisory
Also Read: Foreign Secretary to brief parliamentary panel on India-Pakistan conflict next week