Chandigarh, May 13 (H.S.): Fourteen people died after consuming poisonous alcohol in Amritsar, Punjab, while the condition of six others remains critical. Additionally, around six other individuals are receiving preliminary treatment.

The havoc of poisonous alcohol struck the Majitha area of Amritsar last night. People began to fall ill. It is reported that most of them consumed alcohol that was homemade. The Punjab government has ordered an investigation into the incident.

District Commissioner Sakshi Sahni, along with teams from the health department, police, and excise department, is visiting the affected villages of Bhangali Kalan, Mandi Kalan, and Jayantipur. The police have so far detained six individuals. However, no information has been regarding the source and production of the poisonous alcohol.

It has been reported that some individuals in these villages consumed alcohol, and by Monday evening, their health began to deteriorate. Several young people began vomiting, and after some of them coughed up blood, their family members rushed them to the hospital. Upon receiving the news in the morning, District Commissioner Sakshi Sahni arrived at the affected villages with her team.

She noted that individuals showing even mild symptoms are also being admitted to the hospital. Health department teams have been dispatched to these villages. The teams are conducting health checks on the residents. The police have arrested the mastermind of the fake alcohol racket, Prabhjit Singh.

Amritsar SSP Maninder Singh reported that cases have been registered against the accused. Several police teams have been deployed for the investigation. So far, in addition to Prabhjit Singh, his brother Kulbir alias Jaggu, Sahib Singh, Gurjant Singh, and a woman have been detained for questioning.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar