Police have intensified their investigation into the supply of spurious liquor packed in duplicate bottles of a popular Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) brand in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar district, as the death toll in the recent hooch tragedy rose to seven.
According to police, 12 alleged bootleggers have been arrested and an FIR has been registered against 21 people in connection with the incident. Bhavnagar Range Inspector General of Police R.V. Asari said at least 30 people are undergoing treatment at different hospitals after their health deteriorated following consumption of the illicit liquor.
Gujarat is a prohibition state, where the manufacture, sale and consumption of alcohol are banned.
Asari said a case of accidental death was initially registered after a person died from consuming toxic, chemical-laced liquor in Kharakadi village, under the jurisdiction of Vartej police station. An FIR was subsequently registered, naming 21 people as accused.
The police said the victims had consumed spurious liquor that had been packaged in duplicate bottles bearing the branding of a popular IMFL brand.
The incident came to light on Tuesday evening after the district administration was informed that five people had fallen ill after consuming illicit liquor at a gathering in Kharakadi village in Ghogha taluka. Subsequent inquiries revealed that several other people who had consumed the same liquor had also fallen ill.
Bhavnagar Superintendent of Police Nitesh Pandey said medical examination of the victims indicated a common pattern, with most of them having consumed alcohol from the duplicate bottles before their health deteriorated.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the counterfeit liquor bottles were supplied from Madhya Pradesh, police said. Investigators are now trying to determine their exact source, where and how the bottles were manufactured, and who was responsible for transporting and supplying them to Bhavnagar.
Police have launched further efforts to apprehend other individuals allegedly involved in the manufacture and distribution of the spurious liquor.
