Amritsar: At least 14 people have died and six others have been hospitalised after consuming spurious liquor in five villages of Punjab's Amritsar district, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

The affected villages include Bhangali, Patalpuri, Marari Kalan, Therewal, and Talwandi Ghuman. Authorities began receiving alerts late Monday night, prompting swift medical and law enforcement response.

Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney called it an “unfortunate incident” and said that door-to-door checks are being conducted to identify and treat affected people, even those without symptoms. Medical teams have been stationed across the region, with some victims admitted for further care.

Senior Superintendent of Police Maninder Singh said, “We received information around 9:30 pm last night that here people have started dying after consuming spurious liquor. We took action immediately and rounded up 4 people. We arrested the main supplier, Parabjeet Singh. We interrogated him and found out about the kingpin supplier, Sahab Singh. We have rounded up him as well. We are investigating regarding which all firms he has bought this.”

Two FIRs have been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Excise Act. The Punjab government has directed strict action against all involved in the production and sale of the toxic alcohol.