Another Hooch Tragedy in Panjab, 176 Deaths in 5 Years

On 13 May, at least 27 people died in the Amritsar district after consuming illicit liquor. This is the third major hooch tragedy in the state over the last five years leading to a total of 176 deaths. The deaths were reported in the Bhangali, Patalpuri, Marari Kalan, and Therewal villages of the Majitha subdivision in Amritsar. Most of the victims were laborers and factory workers. The police have launched a probe and have arrested nine accused and suspended four officials including the district's Excise and Taxation Officer and the Deputy Superintendent of Police. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party Member of Legislative Assembly and former Indian Police Service officer Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh slammed his own government, alleging those in the illicit liquor trade are now 'part of the regime and running the show.' Indian National Congress' Member of Parliament, Gurjeet Singh Aujla said the 'War on Drugs' had no connection with ground reality, arguing that if it did, such a tragedy wouldn't have occurred. On 14 May, the police seized 600 litres of methanol suspected to be connected to the hooch tragedy. Methanol is a light, colorless organic chemical compound which is poisonous when ingested. It is illegally added to alcoholic beverages as a cheaper alternative to ethanol— normal consumable alcohol. Panjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has now asked the union govt. to take immediate steps to regulate the use of methyl alcohol or methanol under the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act. Earlier in 2025, the Panjab govt. had boasted about increasing its excise revenue to USD 1.2B. However, such an increase suits those who can buy regular Indian Made Foreign Liquour. An excise official said the state has forgotten its commitment to the poorest in the state who earn the lowest are hooked to cheap hooch: 'For such persons, hooch or homemade liquor is an easy and cheap alternative to get intoxicated' (earlier coverage).