Sangrur Hooch Tragedy: Methanol Found In Spurious Liquor, 8 Accused Arrested So Far, Punjab Police Say

Punjab Police informed that alcohol containing methanol content was used in the production of spurious liquor in Sangrur district that resulted in the deaths of 20 people.

Punjab Police on Saturday confirmed that alcohol containing methanol content was used in the production of spurious liquor in Sangrur district, resulting in the deaths of 20 people. Police have arrested eight out of the ten identified suspects linked to the Sangrur Hooch tragedy. The death toll has risen to 20, with six additional fatalities reported during treatment.

Eleven individuals are currently undergoing treatment at Rajindra Hospital in Patiala, while six others are receiving medical care at the Civil Hospital in Sangrur, as per news agency PTI.

3 FIRs Lodged, Special Investigation Team To Probe Sangrur Hooch Deaths

A four-member special investigation team (SIT), led by Additional Director General of Police Gurinder Singh Dhillon, has been established to probe the incident. ADGP Dhillon informed the media that three FIRs have been lodged in connection with the tragedy. He disclosed that two masterminds behind the operation, Harmanpreet Singh and Gurlal Singh, had been arrested, along with six other accomplices, PTI reported.

The accused were found in possession of spurious liquor and equipment used in its production, as per the police.

"Investigation revealed that alcohol with methanol content from a factory in Noida was procured by the accused. Methanol is used in many industrial products," ADGP Dhillon said, mentioning that it has a major content of methanol which is "fatal". 

According to Dhillon, both Harmanpreet and Gurlal, who have a criminal history, devised the plan while incarcerated in Sangrur jail. The SIT, comprising Deputy Inspector General (Patiala Range) Harcharan Bhullar, Senior Superintendent of Police Sartaj Chahal, and Additional Commissioner (Excise) Naresh Dubey, will oversee the investigation to uncover the full extent of the criminal network involved in the distribution of spurious liquor.

The police have identified and arrested several individuals from various villages in connection with the case.

The SIT with the backward and forward linkages associated with the incident to unearth the modus operandi and nexus while tracing the source of the spurious liquor. All the culprits involved in this case will be arrested, the police assured.