In the wake of the hooch tragedy in Punjab’s Majitha, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Maninder Singh confirmed that the main accused, Prabhjit Singh, was a well-known bootlegger. Investigations revealed that Prabhjit supplied 50 litres of ethanol, which was diluted with water to make 120 litres of illicit liquor, resulting in multiple deaths.
Police have arrested four more people connected to the case — Kulbir Singh (alias Jaggu), Sahab Singh, Gurjant Singh, and Ninder Kaur. According to the SSP, another accused, Saheb Singh, was buying ethanol online, which was then delivered through couriers and buses. Several online firms involved in selling ethanol have been identified, and police teams have been sent out to catch those responsible.
So far, the confirmed victims of the tragedy include Major Singh, Sarabjit Singh, Sikander Singh, Panna Singh, Romi, Raman, and Balbir Singh.
Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Shakshi Sawhney, along with the Civil Surgeon, visited the worst-hit villages — Bhangali Kalan, Marrari Kalan, Patalpuri, and Threawal. Medical teams have been deployed, and those showing symptoms of poisoning have been admitted to hospitals. Health officials are now going door-to-door to check for more victims who may have consumed the tainted liquor.
Meanwhile, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majitha has blamed the government for failing to act against illegal liquor networks. He accused excise department officials of being involved in the racket and demanded ₹25 lakh compensation for each victim. He criticised the administration for not cracking down on bootleggers and allowing such tragedies to continue.
The case has now triggered a wider investigation into the online sale of hazardous chemicals like ethanol and their use in producing deadly liquor.
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