In a devastating turn of events, the death toll due to suspected consumption of spurious liquor in Punjab’s Sangrur district has climbed to 21. The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Sangrur reported that at least 40 individuals were hospitalized after ingesting liquor contaminated with ethanol.
The harrowing saga unfolded on Wednesday, March 20, when four individuals lost their lives allegedly due to the consumption of illicit liquor, with several others rushed to hospitals for urgent medical attention. The following day, four more individuals tragically succumbed to the effects of the toxic brew while undergoing treatment at Patiala’s Rajindra Hospital.
The grim situation only worsened as eight more deaths were reported on Friday, March 22, followed by an additional five fatalities the subsequent day, bringing the total death toll to a staggering 21.
Law enforcement authorities have taken action in response to the crisis, announcing the arrest of two more suspects. This brings the total number of individuals apprehended in connection to the case to six.
During interrogation, the detained suspects divulged crucial information to the police, revealing that the lethal concoction was being concocted in a residential property. Acting swiftly upon this intelligence, the police conducted a raid on the premises, where they seized a substantial quantity of ethanol, a highly toxic chemical, totaling 200 liters.
“Fourteen people have tragically lost their lives in this incident thus far. We have apprehended two more suspects in connection to the case. Investigations are ongoing, and those responsible will face the full force of the law,” declared Deputy Inspector General of Police, Harcharan Singh Bhullar, in a statement to news agency PTI on Friday.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government in Punjab has remained conspicuously silent on the matter. While the state reels from the aftermath of this catastrophic event, the government’s attention appears to be diverted towards other issues, notably the recent arrest fiasco involving Arwind Kejriwal.
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However, in a seemingly contradictory move, the government has announced the formation of a “high-level” Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident, raising questions about its priorities and commitment to addressing the pressing concerns of the populace.
As the investigation unfolds and the community mourns the loss of loved ones, the need for swift and decisive action to prevent such tragedies from recurring becomes increasingly imperative.