Amritsar hooch tragedy sparks action in Muktsar; liquor samples collected

In the wake of the recent hooch tragedy in Amritsar district that claimed several lives, health authorities in Muktsar have acted for the first time in nearly two years by collecting liquor samples for testing.

Dupinder Kumar, District Health Officer (DHO), Muktsar, confirmed that four samples were taken from two licensed liquor vends in the district. He admitted that this is the first such action taken after a gap of almost two years.

“The collected liquor samples have been sent to the Punjab State Public Health Laboratory in Kharar for analysis. The test results are expected within the next two weeks,” he said.

However, such a long delay in taking samples has raised questions about the frequency of quality checks.

Local residents and activists have demanded stricter enforcement and regular inspections. “Not just liquor, the health authorities should ensure that samples of all kinds of eatables and beverages are taken regularly,” said the residents.

Meanwhile, the authorities in Muktsar have not commented on whether more liquor samples will be taken in the coming days.