Saturday, March 29, 2025
On May 12, 15 laborers working at a brick kiln in Bhangali village, near Majitha (Amritsar), died after drinking toxic liquor. This incident has shocked the public and raised serious questions about safety and governance. Unfortunately, this is not a new problem in Punjab.
In 2024, eight people died in Gujjaran village (Sangrur district) due to similar causes. Over the years, Punjab has witnessed hundreds of such deaths. Each time, public anger rises, investigations begin, and officials promise action. But once the outrage fades, those files gather dust. Soon after, another tragedy strikes, repeating the same cycle.
After the Bhangali deaths, the police registered FIR No. 42 under Section 105 of the BNS and Section 61 of the Excise Act. They arrested five suspects: Kulbir Singh (Jaggu), Prabhjit Singh, Sahib Singh (Sarae), and Ninder Kaur (wife of Jeeta Singh).
Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sahni visited the site and confirmed that residents from five nearby villages were affected. The administration responded quickly, and we can see this as a positive step.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also reacted firmly. In a tweet, he called the deaths “murders” and promised that the guilty would face strict punishment. His strong statement gives hope that serious action might follow.
One critical question remains: Why do governments act only after people die? Why not take preventive measures in time?
Illegal liquor factories continue to operate across Punjab. Districts like Sangrur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur have seen many deaths in recent years. Police have made arrests, but the problem persists. Clearly, previous actions haven’t solved the issue.
Former CM Captain Amarinder Singh once promised to end drug abuse within four weeks and even swore on the Gutka Sahib. But nothing changed. Now, the Aam Aadmi Party claims to be running a strong anti-drug campaign. Yet, the Bhangali incident shows serious gaps in enforcement.
Such events raise doubts about the seriousness and effectiveness of these campaigns.
The government and police must act before lives are lost—not after. If they had taken strict steps earlier, tragedies like Bhangali and Gujjaran could have been avoided.
While the arrests are a positive move, they aren’t enough. We must ask: How long will people keep dying from spurious liquor? Will the government just keep filing FIRs and wait for the next disaster?
To stop these deaths, Punjab needs stronger systems. The government must shut down all illegal liquor units without delay. Unless this happens, such deaths will continue.
Filing cases after each tragedy is like cleaning a wound without treating the disease. It gives only temporary relief.
We hope the Punjab government treats the Bhangali incident with full seriousness. It must find a permanent solution to the toxic liquor crisis. Only then can we save innocent lives and break this tragic cycle once and for all.
