At least two dead, 19 hospitalised after consuming spurious liquor in Gujarat's Bhavnagar

At least two individuals have perished and 19 others have been hospitalized following the consumption of counterfeit liquor in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, authorities announced on August 19, 2026. Four individuals involved in the illicit trade have been apprehended. Bhavnagar Collector Manish Kumar disclosed that two fatalities and 19 hospitalizations resulted from imitations of an Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) brand.

Superintendent of Police Nitesh Pandey revealed that a group consumed the imposter liquor at Kharakdi village, leading to adverse health effects. Subsequently, one person succumbed to their condition, and six others sought medical attention at various hospitals in Bhavnagar. Another fatality occurred under ambiguous conditions at Sir T Hospital, with authorities still investigating the cause.

Bootleggers from Vartej and other locales within the city have been detained. Upenderasinh Gohil, a resident of Kharakdi village, died at Sir T Hospital. Six other individuals are admitted to Sir T and two to three other hospitals for treatment. Preliminary findings indicate that the bottles of counterfeit liquor were procured from Madhya Pradesh, and further probing is underway to ascertain details about their acquisition, production, and origin.

Following the interrogation of the implicated individuals, four bootleggers were apprehended in connection with the supply chain. Ongoing legal proceedings are being pursued. Multiple bottles of the same brand have been seized, and endeavors are being made to apprehend additional bootleggers involved in the distribution of adulterated liquor.

The forensic science laboratory (FSL) is also participating in the scientific investigation. The SP solicited anyone who consumed the counterfeit liquor to consult a physician, even if they had not exhibited any signs of ill health.