Gujarat spurious liquor case: Toll rises to 6; over 25 hospitalised in Bhavnagar
The victims had consumed liquor in Kharakadi village in Gujarat on Tuesday night and fell ill. Some were taken to hospitals in Bhavnagar, where six have died
The death toll in Bhavnagar's spurious liquor case has increased to six, with over 25 individuals currently hospitalized, according to police in Gujarat. The first information report (FIR) registered at the Vartej police station reveals that the victims consumed liquor in Kharakadi village on Tuesday night, subsequently falling ill. Some of the affected individuals were taken to hospitals in Bhavnagar, where six have tragically lost their lives.
Police investigations have uncovered that the illicit liquor was produced using methanol and presented in bottles bearing a liquor brand label. A bottle seized during the investigation contained an alarming 38.59% methanol and 0.94% ethanol, both of which were also detected in the blood samples of the victims. Authorities allege that Vartej resident Gautam Solanki played a central role in procuring materials, including methanol, to manufacture the liquor.
He, along with others, prepared and sold the tainted liquor through a network. The FIR lists 21 accused, including individuals from Vartej, Kharakadi, and other regions of Bhavnagar district.
The investigation is focused on identifying the source of the methanol, determining the exact number of bottles prepared and distributed, and uncovering the distribution network involved in this illicit operation. Police are urging those who recently consumed the tainted liquor and are experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention promptly for precautionary testing. Gujarat, a dry state, strictly prohibits the manufacture, sale, and consumption of liquor under its prohibition law.
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