Amritsar, Punjab – May 14: At least 14 people have died and six others are undergoing treatment after allegedly consuming spurious liquor in five villages of Punjab's Amritsar district, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The tragic incident unfolded across the villages of Bhangali, Patalpuri, Marari Kalan, Therewal, and Talwandi Ghuman, prompting swift administrative and police action.
Death Toll Confirmed, Top Officials on the Ground
Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney confirmed the death toll and stated that Senior Superintendent of Police Maninder Singh personally visited the affected areas to assess the situation. Authorities are closely monitoring developments and coordinating relief efforts.Police Launch Crackdown, Five Arrested
Following the incident, Amritsar police launched an immediate investigation, resulting in the arrest of five individuals allegedly involved in the illegal liquor operation. The arrested suspects have been identified as:- Prabhjit Singh (main accused)
- Kulbir Singh
- Sahib Singh
- Gurjant Singh
- Ninder Kaur
Six Hospitalised With Serious Complications
Apart from the 14 fatalities, six individuals are reported to be in critical condition and receiving medical treatment. Health teams have been dispatched to the affected villages to provide emergency care and screen others for symptoms of methanol poisoning.Authorities are urging residents to report any suspicious liquor sales and remain vigilant against the consumption of unlicensed alcoholic beverages.