Amritsar: 

At least 14 people have died after allegedly consuming spurious liquor in Majitha area of Punjab's Amritsar district on Tuesday, police said. Seven persons, including the alleged kingpin, were arrested and an investigation has been initiated into the incident.

On information, officials of the district administration and police, including deputy commissioner Sakshi Sahni reached the spot. Villagers said several people fell ill after consuming spurious liquor last night and were taken to the hospital when their condition deteriorated. They said an announcement was made in the gurdwaras to immediately hospitalise those who are ill.

Condoling the deaths, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann assured that the culprits would not be spared. Taking to his X handle, Mann wrote, "It is sad news that many people have died after drinking poisonous liquor in some villages around Majitha. These killers of innocent people will not be spared at any cost. These deaths are not murders. These culprits who spread chaos in people's homes with poisonous liquor will be given the strictest punishment according to the law. I pray to God for the peace of the departed souls. The government stands with the families and every possible help will be provided.

Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sahni said 14 people have died after consuming spurious liquor in Thariewal, Marari Kalan, Talwandi Ghuman, Patalpuri and Bhangali villages and six others have been admitted to the hospital. The affected families will be provided necessary assistance by the government, Sahni said.

According to Amritsar Rural SSP Maninder Singh, an information was received at around 8 pm that some people had died after consuming spurious liquor. "Within hours, five persons related to the case were rounded up and later two others were taken into custody. After arresting the accused, a probe has been initiated into their distribution network. Strict action will be taken against them. Two FIRs have been registered in this connection", the Singh said.

The accused have been identified as Prabhjit Singh, the alleged kingpin of the spurious liquor business in Majitha, Kulbir Singh alias Jaggu (Prabhjit's brother), Sahib Singh alias Sarai, Gurjant Singh, Ninder Kaur, Sikander Singh alias Pappu, and Arun Kumar alias Kala, the SSP said.

Singh said accused Prabhjit Singh and Kulbir Singh used to prepare spurious liquor and supplied to Sahib Singh, Gurjant, Sikander Singh, Paramjit Singh and Ninder Kaur for distribution. Investigation is underway and more devails will be unearthed.

The police have registered a case under the Excise Act in Majitha and Kathu Nangal police stations, he added.

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