Minister Dhaliwal hands over cheque for Rs 10 lakh to kin of hooch tragedy victims

Cabinet Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal today distributed cheques for Rs 10 lakh each to the families of those who fell victim to the hooch tragedy in Majitha subdivision two days ago.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said that Punjab Police have arrested 16 individuals connected to the case, including some traders from Delhi and Ludhiana. He said that the government was providing free medical treatment to those hospitalised and will grant them financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each. He also assured justice and strict action against the culprits responsible for the tragedy.

“Though no amount of money can compensate for the loss of a family’s breadwinner, it is the government’s responsibility to do whatever possible to support the surviving members,” Dhaliwal said, adding that the government would take strict action against all those involved in drug trafficking, including confiscation of their properties.

Jagwinder Pal Singh Jagga Majitha, Majitha constituency in-charge, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Harnoor Kaur and Assistant Commissioner Khushpreet Singh were among the other officials present.

As many as 27 people have lost their lives till now in the Majitha hooch tragedy that rocked Punjab on Tuesday. All the victims had consumed illicit liquor made from methyl alcohol (methanol) procured from a Ludhiana firm by the prime accused Sahib Singh. Within hours of consumption, the victims developed health complications and died. The tragedy struck Marari Kalan, Bhangali Kalan, Bhangwa, Thariyewal, Patalpuri and Talwandi Ghuman villages.

The administration and Punjab Police rushed to the spot and took the victims to hospital. Police authorities said that a majority of victims suffered multiple organ failure because of consumption of methanol.

Meanwhile, six victims who were admitted to the Guru Nanak Dev Hospital were discharged after their health conditions improved. They were Kewal Singh, Gulzar Singh of Maradi Kalan, Raman Kumar of Thariyewal, Mulakh Raj of Patalpuri, Subegh Singh of Bhangwa and Tarsem Singh of Bhangali Kalan.

Amritsar