INDIA, May 13: At least 14 people have died and six others remain in critical condition after allegedly consuming toxic liquor in five villages near Amritsar, Punjab, police said on Tuesday.

The affected villages — Bhangali, Patalpuri, Marari Kalan, Therewal, and Talwandi Ghuman — are located about 19 kilometers (12 miles) from the city. Senior Superintendent of Police Maninder Singh confirmed that a crackdown has been launched to dismantle the illicit liquor supply network operating in the area.

Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident. Police identified the suspects as Prabhjit Singh, believed to be the main accused, along with Kulbir Singh, Sahib Singh, Gurjant Singh, and Ninder Kaur. A case has been filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Excise Act.

Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney confirmed the fatalities and said medical teams have been dispatched to the affected villages. Authorities are closely monitoring residents who may have consumed the contaminated alcohol, and those showing symptoms are being shifted to hospitals to prevent further casualties.

Officials have not yet disclosed what substances may have caused the deaths and illnesses.

Incidents involving the consumption of spurious, locally brewed liquor remain a recurring problem in India, particularly in rural areas, where such alcohol is often purchased due to its lower cost.