Punjab has witnessed several tragic incidents related to the consumption of illicit liquor over the years, with significant occurrences during the tenures of both the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Congress-led governments. These events have highlighted systemic issues within the state’s governance and enforcement mechanisms.
2020 Hooch Tragedy Under Congress Rule
In late July 2020, during the Congress-led administration under Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, Punjab experienced one of its deadliest hooch tragedies. Over 120 individuals died after consuming spurious liquor across the districts of Tarn Taran, Amritsar, and Gurdaspur. Investigations revealed that the illicit alcohol contained methanol, a toxic substance not meant for human consumption. The state government responded by suspending seven excise officials and six police officers for negligence. Additionally, 54 individuals were arrested in connection with the case. The government announced a compensation of ₹2 lakh for each victim’s family, later increasing it to ₹5 lakh. Despite these measures, opposition parties and residents criticised the government’s handling of the situation, citing lapses in enforcement and alleged political patronage of the illicit liquor trade.
Hooch Incidents During Akali Dal Governance
Before the 2020 tragedy, Punjab faced similar incidents during the SAD-led government. In 2012, a hooch tragedy in the Gurdaspur district resulted in multiple fatalities, though exact numbers vary across reports. Another significant incident occurred in 2016 in Batala, where several individuals died after consuming illicit liquor. Critics pointed out that in the Batala case, no First Information Report (FIR) was registered, and no substantial action was taken against the main accused. These events underscored persistent issues in curbing the production and distribution of spurious liquor, as well as alleged inaction by authorities.
Systemic Challenges and the Need for Accountability
The recurrence of hooch tragedies in Punjab highlights systemic challenges, including alleged political patronage, bureaucratic complacency, and inadequate enforcement of laws regulating alcohol production and distribution. Both the Congress and SAD governments have faced criticism for their handling of such incidents. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including stringent enforcement of existing laws, accountability for officials and politicians involved in or turning a blind eye to illicit activities, and public awareness campaigns about the dangers of consuming unregulated alcohol. Only through sustained and transparent efforts can Punjab hope to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens
The recent hooch tragedy in Majitha, Punjab, has reignited concerns over the persistent issue of illicit liquor in the state, highlighting systemic failures and raising questions about accountability at the highest levels of government. IN May 2025, the Majitha region of Amritsar district witnessed a devastating incident where 23 individuals lost their lives after consuming spurious liquor. The victims, primarily labourers and small-scale workers, succumbed to the toxic brew, while several others remain hospitalized, with some in critical condition. Investigations have led to the arrest of multiple individuals, including key suspects Ravinder Jain and Rishabh Jain, who were apprehended in Delhi. Authorities discovered that approximately 600 litres of methanol were ordered online, presumably used in the concoction of the lethal liquor.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has publicly stated that such a tragedy could not have occurred without the support of political figures, bureaucrats, or police officials. He labelled the incident as “sheer murder” driven by greed and assured that all individuals involved, regardless of their status, would face legal consequences. In response, four officials, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police, a Station House Officer, and two excise officers, have been suspended. The state government has announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh for each victim’s family and pledged to cover the educational expenses of the deceased’s children.
Opposition leaders have criticized the government’s handling of the tragedy. Punjab Congress President Amrinder Singh Raja Warring described the deaths as “cold-blooded murders” and questioned how such operations could proceed without the knowledge or support of authorities, particularly the excise department. He demanded stringent actions, including possible resignations and murder charges. Leader of Opposition Pratap Singh Bajwa held Chief Minister Mann directly responsible, suggesting government complicity or incompetence, and called for a judicial inquiry under the supervision of a sitting judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The Majitha incident is not isolated. In 2020, Punjab faced a similar tragedy where over 120 individuals died after consuming contaminated liquor in Tarn Taran, Amritsar, and Gurdaspur districts. The incident exposed the nexus between politicians, police, and the liquor mafia. Despite the suspension of several officials and promises of stringent action, the illicit liquor trade continues to thrive, indicating a failure to address the root causes effectively.
The recurrence of such tragedies underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms. While public statements and compensations provide temporary relief, they do not address the underlying issues of corruption, lack of enforcement, and political patronage that enable the illicit liquor trade. As the head of the state, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s acknowledgement of systemic complicity necessitates introspection and decisive action within his administration. Ensuring accountability, strengthening enforcement mechanisms, and dismantling the nexus between officials and the liquor mafia are critical steps toward preventing future tragedies.Punjab’s citizens deserve more than hollow assurances; they require concrete actions that prioritise their safety and uphold the rule of law.