Amritsar Hooch Tragedy: Death Toll Rises to 23; CM Mann Labels It 'Murder', 10 Arrested

Amritsar Hooch Horror: 23 Dead, Chief Minister Blames Criminal Negligence

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Pinky Deshmukh

Last Updated: May 14, 2025

Summary: In Amritsar, Punjab, 23 people died from methanol-spiked liquor. CM Bhagwant Mann claimed it was a 'murder' and launched a crackdown.

In a tragic incident, 23 people from seven villages in the area of Majitha, Amritsar district, Punjab, died after drinking bootleg wine laced with methanol. Another 13 people are in the hospital, many of them are quite ill.

Investigations have revealed that the methanol was procured online and diluted to produce the lethal concoction. The operation was orchestrated by a network of distributors who facilitated the distribution of the spurious liquor.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann paid condolences and pledged financial help of ₹10 lakh to afflicted families. He has also agreed to pay for the victims' children's educational fees. Mann said the incident was a "murder motivated by greed," emphasising that such murders could not occur without political sponsorship.

In response to the tragedy, officials detained ten people, including the accused mastermind of the illicit liquor racket. In addition, four officials have been suspended for negligence: a Deputy Superintendent of Police, a Station House Officer, and two Excise Officers.

This incident has resulted in widespread condemnation of the Aam Aadmi Party-led government, with opposition parties demanding accountability and stricter enforcement of the illegal liquor trade.

The tragedy highlights the ongoing issue of unregulated alcohol production and distribution in the region, emphasising the critical need for comprehensive steps to prevent such incidents in the future.