Death toll from spurious liquor in Majitha rises to 27, key suspects arrested

Chandigarh:The death toll from the consumption of spurious liquor in the Majitha area of Amritsar district has climbed to 27. In the past 24 hours alone, four more people have died, while the condition of six others remains critical.

Police have registered a case of murder against 18 individuals under the Excise Act, and 16 people have been arrested so far. The investigation has also led to the arrest of the owner of Sahib Chemicals and his son, who were apprehended in Ludhiana.

According to police sources, Pankaj Kumar alias Sahil and Arvind Kumar, owners of Sahil Chemicals located in Sukh Enclave, Ludhiana, had procured 50 litres of methanol from the main accused, Sahib Singh.

The accused allegedly told them the methanol was to be used for manufacturing soap, but it was instead used in the production of illicit liquor.

Following their arrest, the Excise Department in Ludhiana and ETO-GST officials have launched an inquiry. Authorities have seized records from Sahib Chemicals and are collecting details of all individuals and entities that purchased methanol from the company.