After 17 people died in the Amritsar district by consuming spurious liquor, Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday announced Rs 10 lakh ex gratia for the deceased's family. On Tuesday, CM Mann visited the families of victims affected by the Amritsar hooch tragedy, which has so far claimed 17 lives in the Majitha constituency. Several others remain critically ill and are undergoing treatment in local hospitals. Punjab CM expressed deep sorrow and assured the bereaved families of government support, announcing a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for each family.
Addressing the media, CM Mann stated that the incident is part of a larger nexus, with direct links traced back to Delhi. "Our teams have already reached Delhi and further revelations are expected soon," said CM Mann, further revealing that 600 litres of methanol (a toxic industrial chemical) was ordered online and transported from Delhi to Punjab, where it was used to produce the poisonous liquor.
CM Mann revealed that two Excise Department officials and two police officers have been suspended for negligence in connection with the tragedy. So far, 10 individuals have been arrested in the case. Punjab CM assured that no one, regardless of their power or position, will be spared.
“The areas of Bhngali, Thariwal, and Talwandi have been the worst affected. We are treating this not just as negligence but as murder,” said the Chief Minister.
In a significant gesture of support, the Chief Minister added that if any relative of the deceased is educated and eligible for employment, the government will offer them a job. “These were poor people, earning barely Rs 10 to Rs 20 a day. No one cared about their qualifications or lives. That ends now,” CM Mann added.