NEW DELHI โ Tragedy struck in northern India when at least 14 individuals lost their lives, and six others are fighting for their lives in the hospital after consuming toxic alcohol. The incident occurred overnight in the northern region, and police announced on Tuesday that investigations are underway.
Authorities have apprehended seven suspects accused of distributing the lethal liquor in five villages located roughly 19 kilometers (12 miles) from Amritsar city in Punjab. This was confirmed by a senior police official, Maninder Singh, who emphasized the gravity of the situation.
In light of this incident, police have initiated an intense crackdown to dismantle the supply network of the counterfeit alcoholic beverages in the area. Singh is spearheading the efforts to curb the distribution and prevent further tragedies from occurring.
Meanwhile, the local government has mobilized medical teams to the affected villages to evaluate and treat residents who have ingested the contaminated liquor. Sakshi Sawhney, a high-ranking government representative from Amritsar, stated that medical professionals are on the ground actively monitoring and assisting those affected.
Individuals displaying any symptoms of poisoning are being transported to medical facilities for immediate care. This precaution is essential to manage the situation effectively and avoid an increase in the mortality rate, Sawhney added.
As of now, investigators have not disclosed any specific information about the toxic ingredients responsible for these casualties.
Unfortunately, fatalities resulting from the consumption of adulterated locally-produced alcohol are not uncommon in India, especially in rural communities. The production and sale of spurious liquor are often driven by the demand for low-cost alternatives, posing a persistent risk to public health.