Amritsar Spurious Liquor Tragedy: 14 Die, 6 Hospitalised After Drinking Illicit Alcohol

A horrifying tragedy has struck Amritsar district in Punjab, where 14 people lost their lives and six others are receiving treatment after consuming toxic liquor. The heartbreaking incident has sparked public outrage and renewed concerns over the unchecked rise of illegal alcohol in rural areas.

Toxic Liquor Claims Lives

The victims, residents of a village near Amritsar, consumed locally purchased liquor late in the evening. Within hours, many fell ill. They experienced symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and blurred vision. Families rushed their loved ones to nearby hospitals, but 14 people couldn’t be saved. Doctors confirmed that methanol poisoning caused the deaths. Methanol, often used in unregulated brews, is highly toxic and can lead to organ failure, blindness, or death.

Six others remain hospitalised. Doctors say their condition is critical but stable. Medical teams are monitoring them around the clock.

Police Arrest Main Supplier

Amritsar police quickly launched an investigation. They arrested Parabjeet Singh, a local man who distributed the toxic liquor. During questioning, he revealed information that helped police identify the kingpin of the illegal network—Sahab Singh.

Police have now named Sahab Singh as the man running the operation. Officers believe he controls a wider supply chain that deals in spurious liquor across several regions. Raids are underway to track him down and dismantle the illegal network he built.

Grief Turns into Anger in the Community

The village has plunged into mourning. Families lit funeral pyres one after another as relatives and neighbors watched in silence. Local residents are angry and demanding answers.

“No one warned us. We thought it was regular liquor,” said Ranjit Singh, who lost his brother in the tragedy. “Now 14 homes are broken forever.”

Villagers are calling for stricter checks and swift punishment for those who profit from such dangerous trades. Some have even asked local authorities to cancel the licenses of suspicious vendors operating in the area.

Not the First Time in Punjab

This tragic event has reminded people of past incidents. In 2020, over 100 people died after consuming tainted liquor in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur. That incident triggered widespread crackdowns, but illegal liquor continues to flow, especially in rural pockets where access to affordable and safe alcohol remains limited.

Bootleggers often sell their products at a fraction of the cost of legal liquor. They use unsafe methods and chemicals like methanol to increase the drink’s strength—at the cost of human lives.

Government Reacts, Orders Probe

Punjab’s Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and promised strict action. The state government has ordered a magisterial inquiry and assured that the guilty won’t escape justice. Authorities have also begun identifying affected families for financial compensation.

A government spokesperson stated, “We are committed to punishing those responsible and ensuring the safety of our people. We won’t allow such tragedies to repeat.”

Officials Tighten Liquor Checks

The police, along with the excise department, have begun inspecting liquor shops and unlicensed sellers in the area. Teams seized several litres of suspected illicit alcohol during the first round of raids. Officials are urging people to report suspicious activity related to alcohol production or distribution.

“We’ve increased patrols and launched helplines for anonymous tips,” said an Amritsar police officer. “We’ll continue our efforts until every link in this illegal chain is exposed.”

Why People Still Buy Spurious Liquor

In many rural areas, people choose cheaper liquor sold through unofficial channels. Legal alcohol is often too expensive for people with low incomes. Many don’t know how dangerous illegal brews can be. Sellers take advantage of this lack of awareness, pushing unsafe drinks into the hands of unsuspecting buyers.

Health experts say Punjab needs more awareness campaigns. They recommend community-level education about the risks of drinking unverified or unlabelled liquor.

Long-Term Solutions Needed

While arrests and raids help control the problem temporarily, experts argue that long-term solutions must focus on prevention. The government must create more job opportunities, regulate pricing, and educate people about the dangers of spurious alcohol. Without deeper reforms, incidents like this will continue to claim innocent lives.

Conclusion

The Amritsar tragedy has left 14 families shattered and six more praying for recovery. As police hunt for the kingpin and authorities investigate the supply chain, the larger question remains—how many more lives will it take before illegal liquor is wiped out?

Punjab needs more than quick fixes. It needs consistent action, community support, and a strong legal system to ensure no one else suffers from such a senseless and preventable loss.