Major breakthrough in probe into spurious liquor case that claimed 21 lives
Chandigarh, May 13 – In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the Amritsar spurious liquor tragedy, Punjab Police and the state excise department on Tuesday seized 600 litres of methanol, a toxic industrial chemical often illicitly used in the production of spurious liquor.According to Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police Varun Sharma, the seizure was caused by a truck intercepted near the Tepla police post on Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Shambhu-Banur Road. Intelligence inputs shared by the deputy inspector general of police (Border Range) had indicated that a methanol consignment was being transported from Delhi to Punjab.
Acting on the tip-off, the joint team swiftly intercepted the truck and discovered three drums containing the toxic chemical, concealed among other transported goods. The truck driver has been taken into custody, and further investigations are underway.
Methanol suspected in fatal liquor incident.
Methanol, a colourless and highly toxic liquid, is sometimes illegally substituted for ethanol in alcohol manufacturing due to its lower cost. Ingestion of methanol can cause severe health effects, including blindness and death. Officials suspect the seized methanol was intended for use in producing the deadly batch of liquor that killed at least 21 people in Majitha, Amritsar."Had this consignment reached its intended destination, it could have resulted in the death of hundreds of innocent people," SSP Sharma stated, highlighting the scale of the threat averted.
Tragedy in Majitha: 21 Dead, 10 Hospitalised
The tragedy unfolded in Majitha and nearby villages, including Bhangali, Patalpuri, Marari Kalan, Talwandi Khumman, Karnala, Bhangwan, and Therewal, where victims, mostly daily-wage labourers, consumed the spurious liquor. In addition to the 21 fatalities, 10 people were hospitalised with severe symptoms.Police have arrested ten individuals in connection with the incident, including the alleged kingpin behind the operation. Furthermore, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Majitha) Amolak Singh and Station House Officer Avtar Singh have been suspended for negligence in handling the situation.
The crackdown continues as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle the illegal supply chain and prevent further tragedies stemming from illicit liquor operations.