Illicit Liquor Tragedy in Amritsar: Nine Arrested, High-Level Suspensions Follow

In a grim incident in Amritsar's Majitha, 14 people have succumbed to illicit liquor consumption, prompting the arrest of nine individuals, including the alleged kingpin of the operation. The Punjab police, taking swift action, suspended both the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and the Station House Officer (SHO) of Majitha for what has been described as 'gross negligence'.

According to Gaurav Yadav, Director-General of Police (DGP) Punjab, the arrests include local distributors involved in this illicit trade. Methanol, procured online, was reportedly used in the production of the spurious liquor. An FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Excise Act, with investigations ongoing to unravel the full extent of the network.

Authorities emphasize their commitment to dismantling these illicit liquor operations. Meanwhile, the civil administration and police are conducting door-to-door checks in the affected villages to provide medical care and prevent further tragedies. Hospital sources report that the condition of several hospitalized victims remains critical, signaling that the death toll could rise.

(With inputs from agencies.)