Hooch claims 4 lives
From Ruchika Mohindra

BOOTHGARH (Khanna), March 20, Four persons have died and at least 12 are suffering from the after-effects of the consumption of spurious liquor served by a local resident in the village four days ago.

According to information, while Mandhir Singh, who threw the party was admitted to Christian Medical College (CMC), Ludhiana, and was stated to be in a serious condition, two others, Gurinder Singh and Hoshiar Singh died in Dayanand Medical College and Hospital and the CMC, respectively, after battling with their lives for two days.

Another resident, Jagtar Singh, was also stated to be in a serious condition and was undergoing treatment at Ludhiana.

Residents of the village said in the elections to the Milk Producers Cooperative Society on March 17, Mandhir Singh was re-elected secretary. To celebrate his victory, he threw a party.

One of his associates, Swaran Singh prepared the liquor at Mandhir Singh's residence and served it among the guests.

After the party ended late at night, Swaran Singh fell unconscious and later died.

A resident, Jagroop Singh, alleged: "Mandhir Singh did not inform the others that the liquor was spurious, Had he done so, several lives could have been saved by timely medical aid". He said another resident, Nizam Singh, died in the village on March 18.