Four people have died and another person is in a critical condition after allegedly consuming poisonous liquor in Mouza Bhussi Kay Kathia, Pirmahal tehsil of Toba Tek Singh district on Sunday, prompting police to arrest a suspected supplier and launch an investigation.
According to police spokesperson Attaullah, the victims had allegedly purchased the liquor from Ghulam Haider Kathia. Acting on the directions of District Police Officer (DPO) Akhlakullah Tarar, police arrested the suspect after launching initial inquiries.
The deceased were identified as Babar Fazil, Shakeel Shah alias Shele Shah, Mazhar Hussain and Salman alias Salu, the spokesperson said.
Another man, identified as Sultan Rahi, also allegedly consumed the liquor which left him in a critical condition. He has been receiving treatment at the Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital in Pirmahal.
Police have confirmed that DPO Tarar visited the area shortly after the incident and met local residents as well as officials from Bhussi Police Station to gather details.
During the inquiry, officers were informed that the victims had allegedly obtained the liquor from the arrested suspect, according to the spokesperson.
Separately, Faisalabad Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sohail Akhtar Sukhera took notice of the incident and directed the Toba Tek Singh DPO to submit a report.
In a statement issued by his office, the RPO said those involved in the manufacture and sale of poisonous liquor “do not deserve any concession”. He stated that authorities were pursuing a zero-tolerance policy against individuals engaged in the illegal production and sale of hazardous alcohol.
Sukhera added that all those responsible for the deaths would be brought to justice and said indiscriminate action would be taken against anyone found to be endangering the lives of citizens through the sale of poisonous liquor.
Police have not announced any charges against the arrested suspect, and the investigation into the incident remains under way.
