At least 21 people have died and 10 others are hospitalized after consuming toxic homemade liquor in India’s northern Punjab state, authorities confirmed on Tuesday.
The tragic incident occurred late Monday in multiple villages within the Amritsar district. According to officials, the victims consumed locally brewed alcohol that had been laced with methanol — a highly toxic chemical commonly misused in the production of illicit liquor to increase its potency.
Methanol ingestion can lead to severe health complications, including blindness, liver damage, and even death.
“Currently, the death toll stands at 21, and 10 individuals are being treated in hospitals,” said the Amritsar district’s public relations officer in a statement reported by AFP.
Punjab police have taken swift action in response. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), law enforcement confirmed that nine individuals — including the alleged kingpin and several local distributors — have been arrested in connection with the illegal alcohol operation.
“Methanol used in the manufacture of the spurious liquor was procured online,” the police revealed. “Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the operation and all individuals involved.”
An official First Information Report (FIR) has been filed under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Excise Act.
Two police officers — the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of Majitha Subdivision and the Station House Officer (SHO) of Majitha Police Station — have been suspended for gross negligence, and departmental inquiries have been launched.
In a statement, the Punjab Police emphasized their commitment to cracking down on illicit liquor networks and ensuring that both criminal and administrative negligence are fully addressed.
“We all stand united in grief—and in our resolve to ensure justice is served and such tragedies are prevented in the future,” the police stated.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also vowed that those responsible would face the full force of the law.
This incident echoes a similar tragedy in Tamil Nadu last year, where at least 53 people lost their lives after consuming contaminated liquor.
Saharareporters
