Daijiworld Media Network – Bhavnagar
Bhavnagar, Aug 20: Five people have died and 20 others are undergoing treatment after allegedly consuming spurious liquor in Kharkhadi village of Ghogha taluka in Gujarat's Bhavnagar district, triggering a major police investigation.
Following the incident, a team of the State Monitoring Cell (SMC) has reached Bhavnagar on the directions of Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister. A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team has also begun collecting evidence from the suspected site where the liquor was allegedly adulterated.
According to preliminary information, around 230 bottles of liquor of a particular brand were allegedly brought from Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh and targeted by bootleggers. The suspected kingpin, Gautam Solanki, along with his associates Rais and Mukesh, allegedly adulterated the liquor with locally made country liquor at Solanki's house in the Ambliwadi area of Vartej.
The suspected adulterated liquor was subsequently allegedly sold to local residents. Several people fell seriously ill after consuming it, with five eventually succumbing during treatment. Among those who died were Upendrasingh Gohil and Kanaksingh Gohil.
Twenty people are currently undergoing treatment. Ten patients have been admitted to Sir T Hospital in Bhavnagar, while another 10 are being treated at hospitals in neighbouring districts. Three patients are reportedly in critical condition, raising concerns over a possible increase in the death toll.
Bhavnagar District Collector, SDM Akshar Vyas and Superintendent of Police Nitesh Pandey visited the ICU at Sir T Hospital and took stock of the condition of the patients.
Police have also launched action against the suspected suppliers. During a raid at the residence of alleged kingpin Gautam Solanki, officers reportedly seized more than 130 bottles. Legal proceedings have been initiated against the three suspected key accused.
The SMC and FSL teams are investigating the alleged adulteration, the source of the liquor and the distribution network through which it reached consumers. Authorities are also examining the reported link to Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. The exact substance responsible for the deaths and illnesses is expected to be established through forensic and medical examinations.
The incident has raised concerns over the enforcement of Gujarat's prohibition policy and the alleged preparation and distribution of spurious liquor from a private residence. The investigation is continuing.