Hooch tragedy in Amritsar leaves 17 dead; nine arrested

Representational images. Pic/iStock

As many as 17 people have died after allegedly consuming spurious liquor in Punjab's Amritsar district, police said on Tuesday. They said six people have been hospitalised with complications caused by hooch.

The deaths were reported in Bhangali, Patalpuri, Marari Kalan and Therewal villages on Monday night, said officials.

A police probe has revealed that methanol was procured in bulk online to prepare the hooch. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said those responsible for the deaths of innocent people in the villages in Majitha would not be spared. "These are not deaths, these are murders," he said in an X post.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said DSP and SHO in Majitha have been suspended for negligence, adding that nine persons, including the kingpin of the racket, and several local distributors have been arrested.

The Amritsar district administration said it has deployed medical teams in the affected villages.

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