14 dead, 6 critical after drinking toxic liquor in Punjab

Family members of Sikander who died after consuming toxic liquor in Majitha village wail on the outskirts of Amritsar, India, Tuesday, May 13. 2025.

At least 14 people have died and six others are in critical condition after consuming toxic liquor in five villages near Amritsar in northern Punjab, Indian police said on Tuesday.

Seven individuals have been arrested for allegedly supplying the spurious alcohol, according to senior police officer Maninder Singh. A crackdown has been launched to dismantle the illegal liquor network operating in the area.

Local authorities have deployed medical teams to the affected villages to monitor those who may have consumed the tainted liquor. "Anyone showing symptoms is being shifted to hospitals to prevent further fatalities," said Sakshi Sawhney, a senior administrative official in Amritsar.

Officials have not yet confirmed the substance responsible for the poisoning.

Deaths from illicit liquor are common in parts of rural India, where low-income communities often turn to cheaper, unregulated alcohol despite the health risks.