Punjab Hooch Tragedy: Death Toll Climbs to 23, 13 Under Treatment

Punjab : The death toll in the Punjab hooch tragedy has risen to 23, up from 21 reported yesterday, with 13 individuals still hospitalized. According to Dr. Kirandeep, the Amritsar Civil Surgeon, the health condition of the hospitalized individuals is stable. A door-to-door health survey has been conducted across seven villages in the Majitha and Threwal areas, from where the victims hailed.

The tragic incident unfolded in the Majitha constituency of Amritsar, where several residents from different villages consumed illicit liquor made from ethanol. The spurious concoction led to rapid deterioration of health in dozens of individuals, with several succumbing over the past 48 hours. Local authorities, supported by medical teams and law enforcement, launched a swift response.

So far, ten individuals have been arrested, including the alleged kingpin, for operating a racket involved in the manufacture and sale of toxic liquor. The accused were reportedly producing the liquor using industrial-grade ethanol, a chemical not fit for human consumption. Police investigations are ongoing, and more arrests are likely as the case unfolds.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann visited the bereaved families and admitted that such criminal operations could not function without some level of political complicity. He assured the public of strict action against all those involved—both the perpetrators and any officials or leaders found complicit. The Chief Minister also announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased victim.

In a disturbing parallel development, a truck carrying 600 litres of methanol was intercepted in Patiala on Wednesday. Investigations have revealed that the consignment was destined for Amritsar and was allegedly intended for the production of more spurious liquor. Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police Varun Sharma confirmed to Akashvani’s Jalandhar correspondent that the vehicle originated from Delhi, and one individual has been taken into custody in connection with the shipment.

The seizure of the methanol truck suggests a larger supply chain behind the hooch racket, raising concerns about the scale and reach of the illegal liquor network operating across state lines. Authorities are now focusing on tracing the full distribution network and suppliers.