Bhavnagar, August 20: Four people have died after consuming toxic liquor in Bhavnagar district of Gujarat, while 18 others have been hospitalized, with eight reported to be in critical condition. According to police, the counterfeit liquor was illegally brought in from Madhya Pradesh and sold in Bhavnagar.
The victims had consumed the fake liquor sold under a popular brand name. Gujarat is a dry state, where the production, sale, and consumption of alcohol are prohibited.
Director General of Police (DGP) G.S. Malik stated, “Four people have died in this incident. All police units across the state have been instructed to conduct a thorough investigation.”
The first death occurred on Tuesday evening, followed by another that night, and two more on Wednesday. Officials reported that at least 22 people have been affected by the toxic liquor. The deceased include Karthik Makwana (40), Upendra Gohil (25), and Ghanshyam Singh Jadeja (50). The post-mortem and toxicology report for the fourth victim, Narendra Yadav, is still pending. All four deceased were residents of Bhavnagar district.
Currently, the 18 hospitalized individuals are receiving treatment at Sir Takhtsinhji General Hospital and four private hospitals. Two patients are in extremely critical condition, four are in the ICU, two are on ventilators, and ten are reported to be stable.
The district administration received information around 6 PM on Tuesday that four individuals had fallen ill after consuming illegal liquor at a party held in Kharkadi village of Ghogha taluka on August 16.
In response, Bhavnagar police have detained four suspected liquor traffickers, accused of bringing alcohol from Madhya Pradesh and selling it in the district. Bhavnagar Superintendent of Police Nitesh Pandey mentioned that 16 police teams have been formed to investigate the arrests and the liquor supply chain.
Meanwhile, the Ahmedabad rural police have also intensified their investigation, as there are suspicions that the supply of toxic liquor passed through this district.
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