Gladness Gideon
At least 17 people have died in Punjab’s Amritsar district after consuming illicit alcohol believed to be tainted with methanol, a toxic substance often used to increase the potency of bootleg liquor.
The tragedy unfolded late Monday across five villages in the region, where dozens of residents reportedly drank locally brewed liquor produced in unauthorized backstreet distilleries.
Senior police officer Maninder Singh confirmed the death toll, stating that an initial investigation points to methanol poisoning as the likely cause. Methanol, a highly toxic form of alcohol, can cause blindness, organ failure, and death even in small quantities.
Punjab Police announced on social media platform X that nine suspects have been arrested in connection with the case. “Investigation is underway to uncover the entire modus operandi and to bring all involved to justice,” the department stated.
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Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed sorrow over the incident and assured the public that strict action would be taken. “Those responsible for this tragedy will be punished,” he said in a statement.
Illicit alcohol remains a persistent public health crisis in India, with hundreds of fatalities reported annually. The dangerous brews are often sold cheaply in rural areas, where regulatory enforcement is limited and economic hardship drives demand.
Authorities have launched a wide-reaching investigation and pledged to intensify crackdowns on illegal distilleries operating in the region.