Police sold seized 'toxic liquor' in Toba Tek Singh, reveals initial probe
More than 40 people, most of them Christians, have died.
TOBA TEK SINGH (Daily Dunya) - Initial investigation report held police authorities responsible over sale of toxic liquor that claimed over 40 lives on Tuesday.
Initial investigation report submitted to the Chief Minister states that police confiscated alcohol two months ago and allegedly sold it to culprits on Christmas eve.
Bishop Joseph Arshad said he had been informed that the liquor was brought from the Chuttiana police station’s storehouse.
Residents of the area alleged that Sawan Masih, a sweeper at the Chuttiana police station, had sold the liquor to Sajjad Masih, a district police lines sanitation worker.
Sajjad had first sold the liquor in the Mubarikabad Colony and later filled it in a water cooler and placed it on a street corner to be consumed for free. He was taken to the DHQ Hospital and referred to the Allied Hospital but could not survive.
Affected persons being treated at Civil Hospital in Faisalabad (Online Photos)
Following his death, residents of the locality made announcements from the church loudspeaker requesting anyone who had consumed the liquor and felt poorly to rush to the hospital without delay.
According to sources, Sawan Masih is still at large.
Ruling party’s MNA Khalid Javed Warraich has called for stern action against SHO Younas Gujjar.
While talking to Roznama Dunya, Inspector General of Punjab Police Mushtaq Sukhera said that RPO Bilal had been directed to complete probe of this tragic incident at earliest.
If anyone is proven guilty, not only he will be suspended but an action will also be taken against him after lodging FIR, said IG Sukhera.
RPO Bilal Siddique also told Roznama Dunya that apart from inquiry committee, he was also carrying out investigation on his behalf and a stern action is in store against all those responsible.
MOUNTING DEATH TOLL
Meanwhile, emergency is still imposed in District Headquarters Hospital as death toll continues to mount. So far, toxic liquor has consumed 44 lives.
DHQ MS Mohammad Asif Saleemi told that a total of 149 people were affected.
Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a committee and has directed report in 48 hours.
Similar incidents took place in the past as well.
Eleven Christians died in October after consuming toxic liquor at a party in Punjab province. In October 2014 at least 29 drinkers were killed after consuming methanol-tainted liquor over the Eid public holidays
