What Happened in Ludhiana That Led to Three Deaths?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, Ludhiana faces another tragedy as three lives are lost due to toxic liquor, just weeks after a similar incident in Amritsar. This report dives deep into the implications of the tragedy, the government's response, and the ongoing battle against narcotics in Punjab.
Key Takeaways
- Three individuals died after consuming poisonous liquor in Ludhiana.
- This incident follows a similar tragedy in Amritsar, raising alarms about public safety.
- The government faces criticism for its handling of the liquor crisis.
- Police are investigating the source of the toxic substance.
- Public health measures are urgently needed in Punjab.
Chandigarh, May 22 (NationPress) In a disturbing incident, just days after a tragic hooch event in Amritsar that resulted in 27 fatalities, three individuals have lost their lives after ingesting a toxic substance acquired from a liquor vend in Ludhiana city.
The deceased have been identified as Debi, Manga, and Rinku, all aged between 40 and 45 years. Following their deaths on Wednesday night, authorities collected samples from the liquor shop where the alcohol was purchased.
Harpreet Singh, Senior Medical Officer at the Civil Hospital, informed the media on Thursday that the precise cause of death remains unknown as they await the viscera report.
Swapan Sharma, Police Commissioner, indicated the possibility of the substance being poisonous hooch. “We have gathered samples resembling ‘desi’ liquor,” he stated.
“A complaint has been filed based on the testimony of a fourth individual who was present with the deceased,” he added.
The Opposition BJP criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for its inability to control the perilous spread of toxic liquor and drugs throughout the state. The Ludhiana incident has highlighted the breakdown of law and order, public health systems, and governance under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, remarked Anil Sarin, BJP General Secretary.
Sarin raised several questions: Why has there been no clear communication from the government or health officials regarding the cause of death? Why hasn’t any police case been registered, no minister suspended, and no arrests made? Why has Bhagwant Mann’s so-called 'War on Drugs' devolved into mere public relations while genuine Punjabis continue to perish?”
Sarin further expressed that while Punjab suffers, AAP leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, are in Ludhiana for political campaigning, ignoring the rising fatalities caused by narcotics and toxic substances.
“Their commitments to achieving a 'drug-free' Punjab have turned out to be nothing but a cruel joke,” he concluded.
Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Punjab Congress chief and Ludhiana MP, criticized the government’s inability to manage and prevent the production and distribution of counterfeit liquor.
He highlighted the fact that this incident is the second tragedy within a short span, following the death of 27 individuals in a hooch disaster in Majitha, Amritsar.
It is particularly alarming that the victims acquired the liquor reportedly from a government-sanctioned vend.
The Ludhiana MP noted that manufacturers of counterfeit liquor are openly defying the law without fear of repercussions.
He pointed out that despite the recent devastating tragedy, another has occurred in Ludhiana.
Last week, state BJP chief Sunil Jakhar approached Governor Gulab Chand Kataria in Chandigarh, requesting a CBI investigation into the hooch incident in Amritsar.
Led by Jakhar, the delegation submitted a comprehensive memorandum to the Governor, urging an inquiry into potential links between AAP's Punjab leadership and the liquor mafia rampant in the state.
The delegation also called for the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to investigate this nexus.
Point of View
It's crucial to report responsibly and with authority. The recent tragedies in Punjab underscore the urgent need for effective governance and public health measures. The situation demands accountability from authorities and a systemic approach to combat the drug and liquor crisis affecting many lives.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the deaths in Ludhiana?
The victims reportedly consumed a poisonous substance acquired from a liquor vend, but the exact cause is under investigation pending a viscera report.
How does this incident relate to the previous hooch tragedy?
This incident occurred less than two weeks after a hooch tragedy in Amritsar, which resulted in 27 fatalities, raising concerns about the ongoing issue of toxic liquor in Punjab.
What actions are being taken by the police?
Authorities have collected samples from the liquor shop where the toxic substance was purchased and are investigating based on the testimony of a fourth individual who was with the deceased.
What has the Opposition said about the government’s response?
The BJP has condemned the AAP government for failing to control the spread of toxic liquor and questioned the lack of clarity and action following these tragedies.
What are the implications for public health in Punjab?
These incidents highlight the urgent need for stronger regulations and public health initiatives to combat the ongoing crisis of toxic liquor and drug-related fatalities in the region.
