India, May 13 -- Fifteen people have died, and nearly 10 others are critical after consuming spurious liquor in villages under the Majitha block of Punjab's Amritsar, the police said.

Most of the victims belonged to Bhangali Kalan, Thariewal, Sangha, and Marari Kalan areas of the block. Those critical have been admitted to Amritsar civil hospital.

Amritsar DC Sakshi Sawhney visited the hospital to take stock of situation and confirmed the death toll, which authorities claim is likely to increase.

"We have learnt that all bought the liquor from a single source on Sunday evening. Some of them died on Monday morning, and locals cremated them without informing the police. Some people hid the fact and said the victims died of heart attack. ...