Bhavnagar spurious liquor case: death toll rises to 9; three critical
The death toll from a spurious liquor tragedy in Gujarat's Bhavnagar district has reached nine, with several others in critical condition. Authorities have arrested 13 individuals and launched an investigation into the distribution of methanol-tainted alcohol in the 'dry' state.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the persistent challenges of enforcing prohibition laws and the public health risks posed by illicit alcohol markets.
The death toll from the consumption of spurious liquor in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar district rose to nine on Saturday after one more victim succumbed during treatment, while three others remain in critical condition, district officials said.
One of the victims, Hardik Kilji, died on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday, and out of 17 patients who are still undergoing treatment at the civil hospital and six other private facilities in the city, three remain in a critical condition, the district administration stated in an update.
As many as 17 patients, who consumed the liquor containing methanol, a highly toxic substance, have been discharged, while 18 others have sought medical consultation, it said.
Police have arrested 13 of the 21 accused named in the FIR registered at Vartej police station in connection with the hooch tragedy.
Gujarat is a 'dry' state where the manufacture, sale and consumption of alcohol is banned.
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