A day after at least 17 people died due to consuming spurious liquor in Amritsar district, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday wrote a letter to the central government urging stricter regulation of methanol. Cheema's letter to the centre comes in the backdrop of the Amritsar Hooch Tragedy. In his letter, Cheema highlighted that methanol, though used industrially, is being increasingly misused by criminals, leading to fatal consequences. He referred to several incidents involving toxic liquor and stressed that such cases are not limited to Punjab but are emerging nationwide.
Punjab Finance Minister Cheema further highlighted, "Misuse of methanol has become fatal." Cheema demanded strict rules for methanol under the Industry Act 1951. Hapal Singh Cheema in letter further outlined, "Industrial use of methanol is becoming a weapon in the hands of criminals.' Demanding immediate intervention, Cheema also said that the danger of poisonous liquor is spreading not only in Punjab but in the whole country.
Why has Methanole become a topic of discussion in Punjab?
Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday while visiting the houses of victims addressed the media. During his address, CM Mann revealed that "Our teams have already reached Delhi and further revelations are expected soon," said CM Mann, further revealing that 600 litres of methanol (a toxic industrial chemical) was ordered online and transported from Delhi to Punjab, where it was used to produce the poisonous liquor.
CM Mann also revealed that two Excise Department officials and two police officers have been suspended for negligence in connection with the tragedy. So far, 10 individuals have been arrested in the case. Punjab CM assured that no one, regardless of their power or position, will be spared.