India, May 13 -- At least 21 people have died in the Amritsar district of Punjab after consuming illicit liquor, in the third major hooch tragedy in the state over the last five years.

The deaths were reported in the Bhangali, Patalpuri, Marari Kalan and Therewal villages of the Majitha subdivision in Amritsar, after people consumed spurious liquor. Earlier on Tuesday, several people were hospitalised as well.

The police have launched a probe and have arrested nine accused and suspended four officials involved in the case, including the excise and taxation officer as well as the deputy superintendent of police in the district.

The police also revealed that methanol has been bought in bulk online in order to prepare the hooch.

In a pos...