Amritsar: At least 14 kiln workers died on Monday at Punjab's Majitha, Amritsar, after consuming poisonous liquor, while six others are critical, police said.
Amritsar district deputy commissioner Sakshi Sahni said the incident occurred on Monday, involving individuals from Bhangali, Thariyawal, and Murari Kalan villages.
She said people reported the matter to the police after the number of deaths rose on Monday night. She said the reason for the deaths is reported to be poisonous liquor consumption.
Sahni said the condition of six people admitted to a hospital for treatment is critical. Police and administration teams are present on the spot, she added.
Samples of the liquor have been collected and sent for investigation, police said.
Majitha Police Station Incharge (SHO) Aabtab Singh said that after receiving information about the deaths of people, a case was registered and further action was being taken.
Police said four people, including the main accused, Prabhjeet Singh, have been arrested. The accused is the kingpin of a gang supplying fake liquor.
The arrested include Kulbir Singh alias Jaggu, who is the brother of the main accused Prabhjit. The other accused are Sahib Singh alias Sarai, a resident of village Mardi Kalan, Gurjant Singh and Ninder Kaur, wife of Jeeta resident of village Therewal.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the liquor was purchased from the same source on Sunday evening, and some people died on Monday morning, but the police received no information.
According to locals, the death toll may increase as the condition of many victims was critical.
