At least 14 dead, several critical after drinking toxic liquor in northern India

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

Seven individuals have been arrested for allegedly supplying the contaminated alcohol in five villages located about 19 kilometers (12 miles) from Amritsar, according to senior police officer Maninder Singh. A crackdown is now underway to dismantle the illegal liquor network responsible.

In response to the incident, local authorities have deployed medical teams to affected villages to identify and treat others who may have consumed the toxic brew. "Those showing symptoms are being shifted to hospitals to ensure the death toll doesn’t rise," said Sakshi Sawhney, a senior district official.

Investigators have yet to determine the specific substances that led to the deaths and hospitalizations.

Toxic liquor deaths are a recurring tragedy in India, particularly in rural areas, where illicit alcohol is often consumed due to its lower cost despite the severe health risks.

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