Hooch tragedy: Nine still critical, two lose partial eyesight

Gurbaxpuri

Tarn Taran, August 4

While no fresh death has been reported in Tarn Taran due to the consumption of illicit liquor in the past 24 hours, nine victims who are undergoing treatment at the Civil Hospital here, are struggling for their lives.

Two of them have lost their eyesight to a major extent, while others are complaining of severe stomach ache. Their condition is stated to be serious.

Gobind Kumar (35) started consuming illicit liquor a few years ago and has now lost his vision.

He is among the nine others recuperating at the Civil Hospital since the tragedy struck four days ago. A resident of Kazikot road here, Gobind said he used to procure country-made liquor from Kakka Kandiala village. Many residents of the village were involved in the trade. On July 30, he procured a pouch worth Rs 30 but suffered a severe stomach ache immediately after consuming it and his eyesight got blurred.

Surinder Singh (63) and Hardip Singh (50) of Bachre village are also under treatment. They said initially they had lost their eyesight completely after consuming the spurious liquor, but were regaining it to some extent.

The tragedy, that claimed over 60 lives in Tarn Taran alone, has rendered four children orphaned after their mother died of shock following the death of her husband in the tragedy.

Meanwhile, Khadoor Sahib MLA Ramanjit Singh Sikki, in a statement released here today, refuted the charges that he and his PA Germanjit Singh being involved in the illicit liquor trade. The family of the victim had accused the MLA and his PA of bootlegging in the area.