Gujarat hooch tragedy: Toll rises to 13 as two more die during treatment
The death toll from a spurious liquor tragedy in Gujarat has risen to 13, with authorities arresting several individuals involved in the illicit operation. The state, which maintains a strict prohibition on alcohol, has launched a special investigation into the distribution of the toxic methanol-laced liquor.
Why it matters
The incident exposes the dangers of the illicit alcohol market in 'dry' states and the challenges authorities face in enforcing prohibition laws while protecting public health.
The death toll due to the consumption of spurious liquor in Gujarat's Bhavnagar district went up to 13 on Sunday (August 23, 2026) after two more victims succumbed during treatment, officials said.
Three other persons were still in hospital, they said.
In the last two days, five persons have lost their lives. Mukesh Damor (36) and Bhargav Upadhyay (42) are the latest victims of the hooch tragedy. With their death, the number of victims has gone up to 13, the officials said.
Upadhyay was undergoing treatment at a private hospital, while Damor was admitted to the civil hospital.
According to officials, 67 persons had consumed the liquor containing methanol, a highly toxic substance.
Gujarat is a 'dry' State where the manufacture, sale and consumption of alcohol is banned. According to police, the victims consumed spurious liquor packed in bottles bearing the name of a popular Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) brand.
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