Soma Kaur : “Sangrur Hooch Tragedy: Methanol in Spurious Liquor”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Sangrur hooch tragedy
2. Methanol in spurious liquor

The Punjab hooch tragedy in Sangrur district resulted in the deaths of 20 individuals due to the consumption of spurious liquor containing methanol. Eight out of the ten identified suspects have been apprehended by the police. The incident prompted the establishment of a special investigation team led by ADGP Gurinder Singh Dhillon. The accused, including masterminds Harmanpreet Singh and Gurlal Singh, procured methanol from a Noida-based factory to produce the deadly liquor. Investigations revealed a criminal conspiracy behind the manufacturing and distribution of the illicit alcohol. The SIT is conducting a thorough probe to bring the culprits to justice and prevent future tragedies.

Tragedy Strikes in Sangrur District

In a devastating turn of events, Sangrur district in Punjab has been rocked by a spurious liquor tragedy that has claimed the lives of 20 people. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the community, was the result of alcohol containing methanol content being used to produce illicit liquor. The authorities have been swift in their response, with eight out of the 10 identified suspects already in custody.

Details of the Incident

The tragic deaths occurred in the villages of Gujran, Tibbi Ravidaspura, and Dhandoli Khurd in Dirba and Sunam blocks. The victims, many of whom were daily wage labourers, fell prey to the lure of cheap liquor being sold at half the market price. Investigations have revealed that the masterminds behind this operation had a criminal past and had meticulously planned the distribution of the spurious liquor.

Investigation and Arrests

A special investigation team (SIT) led by Additional Director General of Police Gurinder Singh Dhillon has been formed to probe the incident. The team has already made significant progress, with three FIRs filed and eight suspects, including the key players Harmanpreet Singh and Gurlal Singh, apprehended. The accused had procured methanol from a factory in Noida and were producing the illicit liquor at home, complete with counterfeit labels of a popular brand.

Legal Ramifications

The authorities are leaving no stone unturned in pursuing justice for the victims. The stringent Section 61-A of the Excise Act has been invoked in all three FIRs, with potential penalties including life imprisonment or even the death penalty. The police are also looking into the possibility of a larger conspiracy behind the tragedy, including the role of the factories supplying the methanol.

Appeal for Caution

As investigations continue, the SIT has urged residents of the affected villages to refrain from consuming liquor purchased from unauthorised sources. The team, comprised of seasoned law enforcement officials, is dedicated to uncovering all aspects of this case and ensuring that those responsible face the full force of the law. The community is reeling from this senseless loss of life, and the focus now is on preventing such tragedies from occurring in the future.