Hooch Tragedy: Are Those Jailed for Liquor Scams in Delhi Now Governing Punjab?
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Synopsis
The recent hooch tragedy in Punjab has raised serious questions about governance and accountability. BJP President Sunil Jakhar criticizes AAP leaders for their past involvement in liquor scams, suggesting they are unfit to lead Punjab. This tragic incident highlights systemic issues and calls for a thorough investigation.
Key Takeaways
- 17 fatalities reported due to hooch tragedy in Punjab.
- BJP President Sunil Jakhar criticizes AAP leadership.
- Compensation of Rs 10 lakh announced for victims' families.
- Investigation underway into the production of spurious liquor.
- Government officials suspended for negligence.
Chandigarh, May 13 (NationPress) Following the tragic hooch incident in Amritsar district, where the death toll has tragically risen to 17, predominantly affecting daily-wage workers, state BJP President Sunil Jakhar has launched a scathing critique of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). He emphasized that individuals previously incarcerated for liquor-related scams in Delhi are now governing Punjab from their official residences in Chandigarh.
Jakhar raised concerns regarding the potential benefits from such leadership.
He announced that the BJP intends to approach Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to demand a thorough investigation into how individuals without constitutional authority are conducting meetings in Punjab. Jakhar alleged that the same individuals responsible for shaping Delhi's liquor policy have also influenced Punjab's regulations, resulting in the current crisis.
He asserted that this matter necessitates an unbiased investigation.
Expressing sorrow over the Majitha hooch tragedy, he labeled Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann as a mere figurehead, holding AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia accountable for the situation.
Jakhar noted that these leaders have shifted their attention to Punjab following their ousting by Delhi voters. The majority of hooch-related fatalities were reported in the villages of Bhangali, Patalpuri, Marari Kalan, and Therewal in the Majitha sub-division.
The state government has declared a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for each family affected by the tragedy.
Jakhar accused liquor traders of enjoying political support, which perpetuates such tragic occurrences.
He highlighted the government’s inability to learn from the Sangrur liquor tragedy, resulting in further loss of innocent lives.
Jakhar condemned the government for performing a 'drama' in combating drug issues while people continue to suffer from the consequences of spurious liquor.
He questioned how a government that boosts its revenue through liquor sales can tackle drug abuse effectively. Additionally, he accused the opposition Congress of capitulating to the government and ignoring public concerns, asserting that the BJP will persist in voicing the people's issues.
Jakhar challenged the legitimacy of Delhi AAP leaders conducting 'government meetings' in Punjab.
DGP Gaurav Yadav stated that initial investigations have indicated that methanol, procured online by the kingpin Sahib Singh, was utilized in producing counterfeit liquor.
The investigation is ongoing to reveal the entire operation and ensure that all involved are held accountable.
The DGP mentioned that DSP (Majitha) Amolak Singh and SHO Avtar Singh have been suspended for severe negligence in their duties, which contributed to this tragic event.
Senior Superintendent of Police (Amritsar Rural) Maninder Singh shared information regarding the operation, revealing that local distributor Prabhjeet Singh received methanol in a 50-litre jerry can from kingpin Sahib Singh.
During interrogation, Prabhjeet disclosed that he ordered the methanol from a Ludhiana-based chemical company, Sahil Chemicals, through an online platform.
Chief Minister Mann, who visited the villages impacted by the tragedy, asserted that those accountable for the deaths of innocent individuals will face consequences.
"These are not deaths, these are murders," CM Mann remarked on X.
Point of View
It is evident that the ongoing hooch tragedy in Punjab underlines a severe governance issue. The involvement of those with a questionable past in liquor scams raises concerns about the effectiveness of current leadership. This situation demands immediate attention and accountability to prevent further tragedies.
NationPress
09/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the hooch tragedy in Punjab?
The hooch tragedy in Punjab was caused by the consumption of spurious liquor, resulting in 17 deaths primarily among daily-wage workers. Investigations revealed that methanol was used in the production of counterfeit liquor.
Who is being held accountable for the tragedy?
BJP President Sunil Jakhar has criticized the AAP leaders for their past involvement in liquor scams, suggesting they are unfit to govern. The DGP has also suspended two officers for negligence.
What compensation is being offered to victims' families?
The Punjab government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for each family of the deceased.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The investigation is ongoing, with efforts to uncover the entire operation behind the production of spurious liquor and to bring those responsible to justice.
How has the AAP responded to the criticism?
The AAP has not publicly responded to the criticism from Sunil Jakhar or the BJP regarding their governance and involvement in the tragedy.
