The number of deaths in the Punjab toxic liquor tragedy has escalated to 86 on Saturday while Chief Minister Amarinder Singh suspended seven excise officials and six policemen, officials said.
The government also announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased, they said.
Tarn Taran alone accounted for 63 deaths, followed by 12 in Amritsar and 11 in Gurdaspur"s Batala. Till Friday night, the state had reported 39 deaths in the tragedy unfolding since Wednesday night, said a report by NDTV.
Among the suspended officials are two deputy superintendents of police and four station house officers. Strict action will be taken against any public servant or others found complicit in the case, said the chief minister, describing the police and excise department failure to check the manufacturing and sale of toxic liquor as shameful.
