Congress Rajyasabha MP from Gujarat, Shaktisinh Gohil, has alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government takes haftas like fixed monthly instalments from bootleggers who smuggle alcohol. He said this is why the Prohibition Act is not implemented strictly.
Furthermore, Gohil said he wanted to discuss latthakand matter in today’s session, but the Parliament was adjourned. He said, “I wanted to discuss this in detail in the Parliament, but the BJP did not let the House function.”
Talking about the devastating hooch tragedy in Botad district, Gohil said the government’s official figures show more than 50 deaths. However, the real death toll is nearly 75, he claimed. He said that the sarpanch of the village that was affected by the hooch tragedy had filed complaints since March regarding the liquor addas, but no action was taken.
He said that Congress wants to put forth three specific demands in Parliament. The matter must be investigated by the sitting judge of the High Court. The government must financially compensate the families of those who died after consuming spurious liquor. Besides, the government should take care of those who have lost their eyesight or have damaged their internal organs.
Gohil also said that this whole incident happened because of the government’s negligence. “The government must take moral responsibility for this tragedy, which has led to the death of so many people living in rural areas.”
The hooch tragedy has so far claimed the lives of nearly 60 people. Gujarat is a dry state, but the illegal liquor trade is rampant. Country-made liquor is available freely in the villages. Often this liquor is mixed with chemicals which are harmful to the human body. Consumption of this spurious liquor may lead to serious health complications like kidney failure and even death.
