The death toll from the suspected consumption of spurious liquor in Sangrur district has climbed to 14, with six more fatalities reported on Friday.
Following the tragic incident, law enforcement authorities have intensified their efforts, leading to the arrest of two additional suspects. With these apprehensions, a total of six individuals have been detained in connection with the case.
Earlier on Thursday, the police had discovered large quantities of ethanol and raw materials utilized in the production of alcohol, hinting at the clandestine operation behind the illicit liquor trade.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Harcharan Singh Bhullar said: “Fourteen people have died in this incident so far. We have made two fresh arrests in the case. Investigations are on and culprits will not be spared.”
The police had earlier suggested that the sale of spurious liquor could be linked to attempts to influence voters ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday when five individuals reportedly lost their lives after consuming the toxic brew, while several others were rushed to hospitals. The situation took a turn for the worse on Thursday when three more victims succumbed to their ailments while undergoing treatment at Patiala's Rajindra Hospital.
In the latest developments, two more fatalities were recorded late Thursday night, followed by four more deaths on Friday morning, bringing the total fatalities in the incident to a distressing 14.
While most of the casualties occurred in various villages under the Dirba block of Sangrur, additional deaths were reported from the Sunam area, underscoring the widespread impact of the tragedy across the district.
Authorities remain vigilant as investigations continue, aiming to identify all those involved in the illegal liquor trade and to prevent further tragedies of this nature from occurring in the future.
Punjab Finance and Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, who is under fire from the opposition over the deaths in Gujran village which falls in his Dirba assembly constituency, had on Thursday said that whosoever responsible for this incident will not be spared.
Meanwhile, the Congress and the Akali Dal hit out at the AAP government over the Sangrur hooch tragedy with SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal demanding a judicial probe into the tragedy, while Congress’ Partap Singh Bajwa sought Cheema’s resignation.
NHRC Notice to Punjab Govt
Taking suo motu cognizance of a media report, the National Human Rights Commission on Friday issued a notice to the Punjab Government over the reported death of five people after consuming spurious liquor in Sangrur district. The Commission has sought a report within four weeks.
Observing that the media report’s contents, if true, amount to serious issues of violation of human rights of the victims, the Commission stated, “Apparently, the incident shows the negligence of local administration and the state government in prohibiting the sale and consumption of spurious liquor. Accordingly, it has issued the notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Punjab, calling for a detailed report in the matter at the earliest but not later than four weeks,” the Commission said.
“The report should include the status of the FIR registered by the police, medical treatment of the victims and compensation if any, granted to the aggrieved families. The Commission would also like to know about the action taken against the delinquent officers, responsible for the incident,” it added.
