38 people died in Punjab by drinking spurious liquor, CM orders magisterial inquiry
An official statement issued by the government said, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the alleged death of spurious liquor.
Chandigarh: At 38 people were died in three districts of Punjab after allegedly consuming spurious liquor, after chief minister Amarinder Singh ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident. Officials said On Friday, 19 people were died in Taran, Taran district, 10 in Amritsar and 9 in Batala since Wednesday night after consuming spurious liquor.
Amritsar ASP (Gramin) Vikramajit Singh Duggal said vikramajit singh, in-charge of Tarasikkapolice station, has been suspended.
The opposition Aam Aadmi Party has sought the resignation of Chief Minister Amarinder Singh over the incident. Shiromani Akali Dal has also demanded a judicial investigation by this Judge of the Punjab and Haryanasupreme court.
Police launch raids
While conducting the operation on Friday, Punjab police conducted raids at 40 places in Amritsar, Batala, and Taran. Taran and apprehended eight people for smuggling liquor.
The DGP said that the fake liquor network was spread over several areas and the death toll is likely to rise.
Order of Magisterial Inquiry
Earlier in the day, an official statement said, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has ordered a magisterial inquiry by the Divisional Commissioner of Jalandhar in connection with the alleged death of spurious liquor. The statement said the investigation will look into the circumstances and the reasons for which these deaths occurred.
The divisional commissioner will be examined by Jalandhar as well as joint excise and tax commissioner of Punjab and SP of the concerned districts. The Chief Minister has also allowed the Divisional Commissioner to seek the cooperation of any officer or other expert of the administration or police for speedy investigation.
AAP seeks resignation
Shiromani Akali Dal disclaimers the divisional commissioner level investigation and demanded a judicial inquiry from the present judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Aam Aadmi Party said the magisterial inquiry will not work. Senior party leader and MLA Aman Arora said the party demands the resignation of the Chief Minister.
However, Sheila Devi, mother of Bhupinder Singh, who died of drinking alcohol, told reporters in Batala that her son had purchased liquor from a shop in the Elephant Gate area. A few hours after drinking alcohol he went unconscious. Sanjeev Bhalla is Senior medical officer of Batala, told the cause of death of people will be known only after the Post Mortem.