Saturday, March 29, 2025
A devastating toxic liquor tragedy in Majitha constituency of Punjab’s Amritsar district has claimed 21 lives so far, with several others critically ill. Ten individuals remain hospitalized in serious condition after consuming spurious alcohol. The victims, mostly daily wage laborers, reportedly consumed the illicit liquor due to its low cost.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann visited the affected area today and met with grieving families. Expressing his sorrow, he declared, “These are not mere deaths — they are murders.” Mann promised that the perpetrators would not be spared and assured strictest legal action against those responsible. “The law will ensure the harshest punishment for those who have brought sorrow to innocent families,” he said. He also offered prayers for the deceased and announced ₹10 lakh ex-gratia compensation for each of the victims’ families.
Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav confirmed that nine individuals, including the main accused, have been arrested in connection with the spurious liquor racket. Investigations revealed that methanol — a toxic industrial chemical — was being purchased online and used in manufacturing fake liquor.
The primary accused, Prabhjeet Singh, was caught with 50 litres of methanol which he diluted and sold in 2-litre pouches. During interrogation, he disclosed that a man named Sahib Singh had ordered the methanol online. The illegal liquor, investigators believe, led to the mass poisoning.
Due to severe negligence, the DSP and SHO of Majitha Police Station have been suspended. A departmental inquiry has also been initiated.
Following a tip-off from the Border Range DIG after the Majitha incident, Patiala Police, in coordination with the Excise Department, intercepted a suspicious truck (PB10H1577) near Tepla checkpoint on the Shambhu-Banur road. They seized 600 litres of methanol concealed in three drums. The truck, reportedly traveling from Delhi’s Transport Nagar, is suspected to be linked to the same network responsible for the Majitha tragedy.
SSP Varun Sharma confirmed the seizure and stated that the truck driver has been arrested. Initial investigations suggest a connection between this methanol consignment and the Majitha deaths.
In a broader crackdown under the ongoing “War Against Drugs” campaign, Punjab Police arrested 156 drug traffickers on Tuesday. Authorities recovered 1.5 kg heroin, 16 kg opium, and ₹5.38 lakh in drug money. As part of this campaign, launched 73 days ago, over 10,800 arrests have been made so far.
CM Mann directed all police commissioners, deputy commissioners, and senior police officers to continue the mission to make Punjab a drug-free state. A five-member Cabinet Sub-Committee, led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, has been set up to oversee anti-drug efforts.
This alarming incident has reignited concerns over the spread of illicit liquor and toxic chemical use in Punjab, exposing serious lapses in regulation and enforcement. Authorities are now racing to dismantle the entire supply network behind this lethal tragedy.
