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Key Points

A devastating hooch tragedy in Punjab has claimed 27 lives, with 16 victims belonging to the Dalit community. The Punjab BJP has strongly criticized the Aam Aadmi Party government for its alleged indifference and lack of transparency surrounding the incident. BJP leaders are demanding a comprehensive investigation and intervention from the National Scheduled Caste Commission. The recurring issue of spurious liquor in Punjab highlights systemic failures in governance and protection of vulnerable communities.

Key Points: Punjab BJP Exposes Dalit Hooch Tragedy Amid AAP Silence

  • Sixteen Dalit victims died from methanol-based illicit liquor in Amritsar
  • BJP demands CBI probe into poisonous liquor incidents
  • AAP government accused of hiding facts and avoiding accountability
2 min read

Hooch tragedy: 16 out of 27 victims belong to the Dalit community, says Punjab BJP

Punjab BJP reveals 16 Dalit victims in Amritsar liquor poisoning, demands National Scheduled Caste Commission intervention

"Why should we not believe that this indicates the anti-Dalit mentality of the Aam Aadmi Party government? - S.R. Ladhar, BJP Leader"

Chandigarh, May 24

Sixteen out of the 27 people who died due to consumption of illicit liquor in Amritsar belong to the Dalit community, said Punjab BJP Scheduled Caste Morcha President S.R. Ladhar here on Saturday.

Taking cognisance of this month’s deaths of 27 people due to poisonous liquor made from methanol in the Majitha area, the morcha has demanded intervention of the National Scheduled Caste Commission for justice to the victims.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, ministers, MLAs, MPs and government officials who accompanied him to the spot should clarify why they hid this fact, asked former IAS officer Ladhar. He said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has not registered a case under the Prevention of Atrocities Act of 1989 against the accused who are enjoying political patronage.

“This shows the indifferent attitude of the Bhagwant Mann government. Why should we not believe that this indicates the anti-Dalit mentality of the Aam Aadmi Party government? The BJP will not allow such intentions of the government to succeed,” he said. He demanded a CBI probe into the incident of consumption of poisonous liquor in the past three years and said the government was trying to hide facts.

Another leader, Paramjit Singh Kainth, who’s the Vice-President of the morcha, said the incidents of consumption of illicit liquor have increased. He highlighted the incidents of consumption of poisonous liquor in Punjab, including the Amritsar incident and last year’s incident in Sangrur, in which 20 people died.

Most of the victims belong to the Scheduled Castes. While the incidents of consumption of poisonous liquor in Punjab are wreaking havoc on poor families, the AAP government is adopting a policy of evading the serious cases by calling them a matter of investigation, he said.

He said the investigation report of the Sangrur case should be made public as the incident pertains to Chief Minister Mann’s home district and Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema’s constituency, Dirba.

Kainth alleged the government has failed to take effective action against the liquor mafia and demanded that the Governor should order a probe into the incidents of consumption of spurious liquor to expose the liquor mafia.

In 2020, 121 people had died after consuming spurious liquor in similar incidents in Tarn Taran, Amritsar and Gurdaspur districts.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is heartbreaking 💔. Why do such tragedies keep repeating in Punjab? The government must take strict action against the liquor mafia instead of playing blame games. Poor families suffer the most while politicians make statements.
P
Priya M.
While the loss of lives is tragic, I'm uncomfortable with how this is being politicized. The focus should be on rehabilitation for affected families and preventing future incidents, not scoring political points.
A
Amit S.
The pattern is clear - spurious liquor targets the poorest sections every time. Government needs to regulate alcohol distribution better and provide affordable alternatives. This isn't just about Punjab, similar tragedies happen across India.
S
Sunita R.
As a Punjabi, I feel ashamed that our state keeps making headlines for such tragedies. When will we learn? The liquor mafia operates freely because they have political connections across parties. Time for complete overhaul of the system!
V
Vikram J.
The Prevention of Atrocities Act angle seems forced here. This is primarily a failure of governance and law enforcement. Let's not dilute serious issues by mixing them with politics. Focus should be on victims' families and prevention.
N
Neha T.
Why is there no discussion about rehabilitation for the families? 27 lives lost and many more affected. The government should announce proper compensation and job opportunities for dependents. Thoughts and prayers aren't enough 🙏

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