Death Toll Reaches 21 in Punjab Hooch Tragedy; Will CM Bhagwant Mann Resign?

Majitha (Punjab) [India], May 13: In the quiet villages of Bhangali, Patalpuri, Marari Kalan, and Therewal near Majitha, sorrow has taken over. Spurious liquor has claimed 21 lives and left many in hospitals. These villages now echo with cries. Families who had never seen a police van outside their homes are now seeing ambulances. What began as a usual evening turned into a nightmare.

Police Start Action, Many Arrested

As soon as the news spread, police teams rushed in. Nine people were arrested for being part of the liquor racket. Four officials — including the excise and taxation officer — were suspended. The accused had bought methanol in bulk from online platforms. This poisonous substance was mixed to make the hooch. It is scary how easily such dangerous items can reach small hands, and how quickly lives can be lost.

Chief Minister Mann Calls It Murder

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann strongly condemned the incident. He said these are not just deaths — they are murders. In his social media post, he promised that those who brought pain to these families would not be spared. The government will help the families in every way. But the villagers are not just looking for money. They want justice. They want to see those who caused this tragedy punished.

Opposition Demands Resignation

Leaders from opposition parties have not kept quiet. Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa and SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal blamed the AAP-led government. They said the government had failed to stop the liquor mafia. Bajwa asked what happened to the “Yudh Nasheyan De Virodh” campaign that had been going on for 70 days. According to him, the Chief Minister is busy doing public relations while illegal trade keeps growing.

Past Tragedies and What Needs to Change

This is the third big hooch tragedy in Punjab in five years. Every time, promises are made, but the same story repeats. Illegal liquor is not just about alcohol; it's about lost lives and broken families. The government must act quickly — not just with arrests, but with strong systems. Villagers must feel safe again. And the fight against spurious liquor must not end in a slogan. It must become a reality.