A major tragedy has shocked the city of Amritsar in Punjab. At least 15 people have died and over a dozen are in critical condition after allegedly consuming spurious liquor. This shocking incident took place in the rural areas of Ajnala subdivision in Amritsar district, including villages such as Tangra, Sathiala, and Chowk Mehta. These regions are located close to the India-Pakistan border and have long been struggling with the problem of illegal liquor sales.
The victims reportedly consumed illegally made liquor, which was sold at a cheap price. Within a few hours, they began to show signs of serious illness such as vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, and even loss of consciousness. Many of them were rushed to nearby hospitals, but some died before receiving treatment. Doctors suspect that the liquor contained methanol, a toxic chemical that can be fatal even in small amounts.
As the news spread, Punjab Police and excise officials reached the affected villages. The state government has launched an investigation and formed a special team to look into the matter. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed deep sorrow and assured strict action against those responsible. He said that no one involved in this illegal activity would be spared and that justice would be delivered to the victims and their families.
Several arrests have already been made, and the police continue to search for more suspects linked to the illegal liquor network. The tragedy has once again raised serious questions about the growing problem of the illicit alcohol trade in Punjab. In 2020, a similar hooch tragedy in the state had claimed over 120 lives, yet illegal liquor production continues to exist in many areas.
Spurious liquor, also known as hooch, is alcohol that is illegally made and sold without any regulation. It is often produced in hidden places using dangerous chemicals like industrial alcohol, battery acid, and methanol. People from poor communities often fall victim to this deadly substance because of its low cost, unaware of the life-threatening risks it carries.
Families of the victims are in deep grief. One woman, whose husband died after drinking the liquor, told reporters that he went to work in the morning and drank with friends in the evening. By night, he was vomiting blood and passed away within hours. Villagers are blaming the local authorities, claiming that the illegal liquor trade is well-known and continues with the support of corrupt officials.
Opposition parties have criticized the state government for failing to prevent such a tragedy. Political leaders from the Shiromani Akali Dal and the Congress party have demanded a judicial inquiry, financial compensation for the victims’ families, and stricter enforcement of liquor laws. Social activists have also raised their voices, calling for a public awareness campaign and stronger action against the liquor mafia.
Experts suggest that to prevent future hooch tragedies, the government needs to take long-term steps. These include stricter monitoring of alcohol production and sales, frequent raids on illegal units, awareness campaigns in villages, and better job opportunities for poor people so they are not driven to drink dangerous liquor. Encouraging whistleblowers to report such activities without fear is also essential.
The Amritsar hooch tragedy is a painful reminder of the dangers of unregulated alcohol. It highlights the urgent need for better law enforcement, public health awareness, and strong political will to eliminate the illegal liquor business. As investigations continue and more arrests are made, the focus must now be on preventing such disasters from happening again. Every life is valuable, and no one should lose a loved one because of cheap and poisonous alcohol.As of now, 15 people have died, and more than a dozen remain in critical condition. The police have arrested at least 10 people and are conducting further raids. The Punjab government has promised a thorough probe and justice for the affected families. This tragic event must serve as a wake-up call for authorities and society alike.
