At least 14 people died and six others were hospitalised in Punjab's Amritsar on Tuesday after allegedly consuming spurious liquor. Following this, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann promised the state government's support to the victims' families. He stressed that those involved in the making of the poisonous liquor would be given the "harshest punishment" for the "murder" of the innocent people.
In a post on X, Bhagwant Mann expressed grief over the deaths and promised all possible assistance to the families of the deceased.
"A tragic report has come in about the deaths of several people due to the consumption of toxic liquor in the villages around Majitha. These murderers of innocent people will not be spared at any cost. These are not mere deaths — they are murders. Those responsible for bringing grief into the homes of these families through poisonous liquor will be given the harshest punishment as per the law," Bhagwant Mann said.
"I pray to the Almighty for peace for the departed souls. The government stands with the affected families and will provide all possible assistance," he added.
As many as 14 people died in five villages in Amritsar. The deaths have occurred in Bhangali, Patalpuri, Marari Kalan, Therewal, and Talwandi Ghuman villages near Majitha in Amritsar.
After the incident was brought to light and the deaths were reported, five accused were arrested by the police for their alleged involvement in the matter. Those arrested have been identified as Prabhjit Singh, the main accused, Kulbir Singh, Sahib Singh, Gurjant Singh and Ninder Kaur, news agency PTI reported.
A case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Excise Act. Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney confirmed the casualties. She stated that Senior Superintendent of Police Maninder Singh reached the location to assess the situation and oversee the response efforts.
The Amritsar district administration has sent out medical teams to the affected villages, which are going door-to-door to identify and assist anyone who may have consumed the toxic liquor.