Majitha liquor case update: 16 dead after consuming spurious liquor in Punjab’s Majitha

Majitha liquor case update: 16 people have died after consuming spurious liquor in Amritsar’s Majitha. Police have arrested 9, including the kingpin. Probe expands beyond Punjab as the death toll may rise.

Amritsar, May 13, 2025: A horrifying tragedy has rocked the Majitha region of Amritsar, where 16 people have lost their lives after consuming spurious liquor. The incident, which has triggered statewide outrage, unfolded across three villages—Bhangali Kalan, Marrari Kalan, and Threawal—leaving families devastated and a community in shock.

Swift Police Action: 9 Arrested Including the Kingpin

In a matter of hours, Punjab Police cracked down on the illicit liquor network, arresting nine individuals—including the key supplier and the alleged kingpin behind the deadly distribution chain. Authorities have confirmed that more arrests may follow as the investigation expands beyond Punjab.

The mastermind, identified as Sahib Singh, was apprehended in a swift raid in Rajasansi. Prabhjit Singh, the main supplier in the Majitha area, has also been taken into custody. Five others who allegedly bought liquor from the kingpin and distributed it in villages were arrested shortly thereafter. Later, police also arrested Arun Kumar and Sikander Singh, further tightening the noose around the criminal network.

Victims Identified, Families Mourn

The tragedy claimed the lives of:

• From Marrari Kalan: Major Singh (alias Modu), Paramjit Singh (alias Pamma), Sarbjit Singh (alias Shabba), and Tasveer Singh (alias Sikandar Singh)
• From Threawal: Joginder Singh (alias Manna), Karnail Singh (alias Mahant), and Jeeta (alias Siti)
• From Bhangali Kalan: Balbir Singh, Ramandeep Singh, and Romanjit Singh (alias Romi)

The community is reeling from grief as funeral pyres were lit hastily—some even without police knowledge. Locals reportedly cremated the bodies before authorities could intervene, complicating the investigation further.

Police: “All Victims Consumed Liquor from the Same Source”

According to Majitha SHO Aabtaab Singh, all victims had consumed liquor from a single source on Sunday evening. Some succumbed by Monday morning, but the police were only alerted later in the evening, after initial attempts by villagers to hide the incident.

“Preliminary investigations suggest the victims drank liquor from the same batch. Several others are still in critical condition,” said SHO Aabtaab Singh.

Probe Goes Beyond Punjab

This isn’t just a local issue anymore. Police teams have now been deployed outside Punjab to identify and apprehend companies or individuals suspected of supplying the toxic liquor. Officials are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring justice for the victims and preventing future tragedies.

Government Urged to Take Strict Action

Local leaders and residents are demanding strict punitive action against those involved and tighter regulations to prevent the recurrence of such fatal incidents. Social activists are also calling for increased awareness about the dangers of consuming illicit alcohol.

This heart-wrenching episode is a grim reminder of the deadly consequences of illegal liquor trade. As investigations continue and more facts emerge, the focus now shifts to ensuring accountability, justice for the victims, and stringent measures to dismantle such dangerous supply networks.

Stay tuned for verified updates.