The death toll in the Bhavnagar spurious liquor tragedy has risen to nine, while 39 people remain in hospital after allegedly consuming methanol-laced liquor in different parts of the district. The incident has triggered a major police investigation, arrests and the suspension of six police personnel, while opposition leaders have raised questions over alleged administrative failures.
Investigators say the liquor was allegedly made using methanol, a poisonous industrial chemical, after it was brought from Delhi and mixed with liquor to reduce costs and increase its intoxicating effect.
The tragedy has also taken a political turn, with Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil questioning the government’s handling of the incident and alleging serious lapses in the enforcement of the prohibition system.
Nine Dead, 39 Under Treatment
According to the information available, 48 people fell ill after consuming the suspected spurious liquor. Of them, nine have died, while around 39 people are undergoing treatment in hospitals. Seven of those who died have been identified as:
Upendrasinh Gohil, 25
Kartik Makwana, 40
Kanaksinh Gohil, 37
Ghanshyamsinh Jadeja, 49
Hitesh Parmar, 42
Jay Bhatti, 35
Narendrasinh Yadav, 47
Authorities are continuing to verify the identities of the remaining deceased.
The incident has raised serious concerns because some patients are reportedly in critical condition, with allegations that certain victims have suffered severe health complications, including vision-related problems.
Methanol Used to Make Cheaper Liquor
Investigators suspect that methanol was deliberately used as a substitute or adulterant because it was cheaper than ethanol.
According to investigators, those involved allegedly believed that methanol would produce a stronger intoxicating effect while allowing them to reduce the quantity and cost of the liquor.
Police suspect that methanol was brought from Delhi to Bhavnagar through Ahmedabad using two transporters. It was then allegedly mixed with liquor, spirit and other substances before being distributed.
Officials are now trying to trace the complete supply chain and identify everyone involved in procuring, transporting, manufacturing and distributing the toxic liquor.
Two Batches Distributed
Investigators have found that the suspected liquor was allegedly distributed in two batches.
The first batch was reportedly supplied before any immediate serious reaction was noticed. After more people began falling ill, further consignments were reportedly sent.
Police are examining how the liquor moved through different locations and how long the distribution continued before authorities were alerted.
The use of multiple transporters to move consignments has also raised questions about how the movement of chemicals and illicit liquor was monitored.
Police Arrest 13, Six Personnel Suspended
The investigation has led to the arrest of 13 people so far.
Investigators also raided locations connected with the alleged illegal liquor operation and recovered materials that could have been used to manufacture or package the liquor.
The seized material reportedly included chemicals and colouring agents, ready-filled counterfeit liquor bottles, fake branded labels, bottle caps, sticker rolls and cardboard packaging.
A manufacturing setup was also allegedly uncovered during the raids.
Police said the operation was carried out with the help of associates of an accused identified as Gautam Solanki. Investigators are now examining the alleged role of other people connected with the manufacturing and distribution network.
The matter has also resulted in departmental action. Six police personnel, including two inspectors, have been suspended for alleged enforcement failures.
Authorities have said the investigation is continuing beyond Bhavnagar, with teams checking possible supply links in other districts of Gujarat and in other states.
First Reported Death Raises Questions
The handling of the first reported death has become another major point of concern.
Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil alleged that the body of the first person who died was sent to Ujjain without a post-mortem examination. He questioned why a proper post-mortem was allegedly not conducted at that stage.
Gohil has also raised questions about the administration’s response to the tragedy and alleged that political influence may have protected people involved in the illegal liquor trade.
These claims are allegations raised by the Congress leader and remain subject to verification by the authorities.
Congress Raises Political Questions
The tragedy has now developed into a political confrontation.
Shaktisinh Gohil alleged that around 250 bottles of spurious liquor were sold and claimed that the incident resulted in multiple deaths and serious health problems among consumers. He also claimed that some victims suffered severe vision loss, including blindness.
Gohil questioned the Gujarat government over what he described as administrative and enforcement failures. He also asked whether senior BJP leaders would take moral responsibility for the incident and questioned why those in political and administrative positions had not resigned.
The Congress has announced that a five-member team will visit Bhavnagar, conduct an on-ground investigation and prepare a report on the tragedy.
The team is expected to examine the affected areas, meet victims and families and gather information about the supply and distribution of the spurious liquor.
Investigation Expands Beyond Bhavnagar
Police are now looking beyond the immediate locations where people fell ill.
Investigators are examining the source of the methanol, its alleged transportation from Delhi, the people who received it, the manufacturing process and the distribution network.
Teams are also checking possible connections in other districts of Gujarat and other states to determine whether the operation was limited to Bhavnagar or part of a larger network.
The recovery of chemicals, counterfeit bottles, labels and packaging material has given investigators important leads into how the suspected liquor was allegedly prepared and sold.
A Tragedy Raising Serious Questions
The Bhavnagar incident has once again highlighted the deadly consequences of illegally manufactured liquor containing toxic substances such as methanol.
With nine people dead, 39 in hospital, 13 arrests and six police personnel suspended, the investigation is now focused on identifying the full chain behind the tragedy.
At the same time, questions remain about how the methanol entered the supply chain, how the liquor was manufactured and distributed, whether there were earlier warnings, and whether administrative lapses allowed the illegal operation to continue.
As police continue their investigation and the Congress prepares its fact-finding visit, the victims and their families are awaiting answers about how the tragedy happened and who should be held responsible.
Also Read: Train Altercation Turns Fatal: Foreign National Dies During Questioning At Surat Station https://www.vibesofindia.com/african-national-dies-after-golden-temple-express-train-altercation-surat/
