At least two dead, 19 hospitalised after consuming spurious liquor in Gujarat's Bhavnagar
At least two people have died and 19 are hospitalized in Gujarat's Bhavnagar district after consuming spurious liquor. Authorities have detained four bootleggers as part of an investigation into the supply chain of the illicit alcohol.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the persistent public health risks associated with illicit liquor trade in states with strict prohibition laws.
Two persons have died and 19 others have been hospitalised after consuming spurious liquor in Gujarat's Bhavnagar district, officials said on Wednesday (August 19, 2026).
Four bootleggers have been detained in this connection, they said.
Gujarat is a 'dry' state where manufacture, sale and consumption of alcohol are banned.
Bhavnagar Collector Manish Kumar said that two persons have died and 19 others have been hospitalised after consuming liquor from duplicate bottles of an IMFL (Indian Made Foreign Liquor) brand.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Nitesh Pandey said a group of people consumed liquor from a "duplicate" bottle of an IMFL brand at Kharakdi village a few days back, after which their health deteriorated.
A man subsequently died, and six others were admitted to various hospitals in Bhavnagar for treatment, he said.
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