Majitha, a town in Punjab’s Amritsar district, is now engulfed by a wave of sorrow. What started as a normal day turned into horror as toxic liquor claimed the lives of 21 innocent people. The victims, most of them poor daily wage workers, had no idea that the cheap alcohol they were drinking would be their last.

A Village in Mourning

Families are devastated. Ten others remain in critical condition, battling for their lives in hospitals. Their condition is serious and doctors are doing everything they can. The smell of grief hangs heavy over the villages. What happened here isn’t just an accident—it’s being called cold-blooded murder by the state’s Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann.

Chief Minister’s Visit and Big Announcement

Bhagwant Mann visited Majitha himself. He spoke with sadness and rage. He declared, “These are murders, not just deaths.” Mann promised strict action against those behind this tragedy. He also announced that each family that lost a loved one will get Rs 10 lakh as compensation. The victims are being supported, he said firmly.

Police Crack Down on the Liquor Racket

The police have jumped into action. So far, 10 people have been arrested, including the main brain behind the racket. Investigations revealed that methanol—a dangerous chemical—was used to make the fake liquor. It had been ordered online and then mixed and sold in small plastic packets. The main accused, Prabhjeet Singh, had 50 liters of methanol. He diluted it and sold it in two-liter packs. Another person named Sahib Singh also got involved by placing the order for the chemical.

The local police didn’t act fast enough. As a consequence, officials have suspended Majitha station’s DSP Amolak Singh and SHO Avtar Singh. A departmental probe has also begun.

More Methanol Seized in Patiala

Meanwhile, in Patiala, a big catch was made. Police pulled over a truck and seized 600 liters of methanol hidden inside drums. The truck was coming from Delhi, and it’s strongly suspected that it’s linked to the Majitha tragedy. The driver has been detained and currently facing police interrogation.

Ongoing War Against Drugs

Punjab is already fighting a big battle against drugs. Police took 156 drug dealers off the streets on Tuesday alone. They found heroin, opium, and drug money. Over the last 73 days, more than 10,800 traffickers have been caught. A special five-member cabinet team is now watching over the state’s fight against drugs, making sure no one escapes justice.