Illicit Liquor Crisis Kills 14, Hospitalizes Six in Punjab

A tragic incident in Punjab's Amritsar district resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals and left six hospitalized after consuming illicit liquor containing methanol. Authorities arrested multiple suspects, including a principal ringleader named Prabhjeet Singh, and have filed charges under stringent legal sections to dismantle the distribution network. Medical teams were promptly deployed to affected villages, conducting door-to-door checks to provide urgent assistance and prevent further casualties. Senior officials, including Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney and SSP Maninder Singh, have expressed deep sorrow and assured strict action against those responsible. The Punjab government is actively investigating the case and has initiated a crackdown on spurious liquor suppliers to curb such incidents. This tragedy highlights the ongoing issue of contaminated locally produced liquor, particularly in rural areas where cheaper prices often lead to consumption despite the risks.