Punjab, May 14 (V7N) – At least 14 people have died and six others have been hospitalized after consuming toxic homemade alcohol in the northern Indian state of Punjab, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The incident occurred across five villages in the Amritsar district, prompting swift action from local authorities.

Law enforcement agencies have arrested five individuals suspected of involvement in the illicit production and distribution of the contaminated liquor. Investigations are ongoing to trace the source and prevent further casualties.

“Initial reports suggest the victims consumed spurious liquor from a locally brewed batch,” a senior district official said. “A forensic examination of the seized samples is underway.”

The affected villages in Amritsar, a region often troubled by the circulation of unregulated liquor, are now under close surveillance. Medical teams have been deployed to monitor residents for symptoms of poisoning, and awareness campaigns are being launched to warn against consumption of non-commercial alcoholic beverages.

Recurring Crisis in India’s Informal Alcohol Sector

Incidents of hooch tragedies—deaths caused by toxic or illegally brewed alcohol—are unfortunately common in India, especially in rural or economically disadvantaged areas where regulation is weaker and licensed alcohol may be unaffordable for many.

Methanol, a toxic substance sometimes used to increase the potency of illicit liquor, is often the cause of death or permanent injury in such cases.

Human rights groups and public health advocates have long urged the Indian government to take stronger action against bootlegging networks and to expand public education on the dangers of unregulated alcohol.

Government Response

The Punjab state government has announced compensation for the families of the deceased and assured that the culprits will face strict legal action. Local authorities have launched a crackdown on illegal distilleries and intensified patrols in known hotspots for unlicensed liquor sales.

END/WD/SMA/