The hooch tragedy at Barwala taluka, since Sunday night, has claimed more than 57 lives. Hundreds of others have been admitted to hospitals and many are in critical condition. The situation was created because people in several villages of the taluka bought and consumed country-made liquor that was heavily laced with chemicals. Rojid is one of the most badly affected villages in the taluka.
Many political leaders have commented on the incident, slamming the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government for not taking strict action against bootleggers who are selling alcohol in a dry state. Although Gujarat Education Minister Jitu Vaghani and Health Minister Rushikesh Patel visited Sir T General Hospital in Bhavnagar where patients are being treated, overall the BJP has been silent over the matter.
However, this morning, Alpesh Thakor visited Rojid village and interacted with the families who have been affected by this tragedy. He assured the families that the government would offer them support. He also said that the patients who were admitted to hospitals in different cities will get top-notch treatment.
Thakor also met with the families who have lost one or more family members to the spurious liquor. He expressed grief over the situation and said that the government will take strict action against all those responsible for the situation. He said that the government is working hard to ensure the families of the victims get justice and also the assistance they need.
So far, the police have arrested at least 20 accused in the case. The government officials have said that about 600 litres of Methanol for industrial purpose was supplied to a bootlegger in Barwala, of which 450 litres has been seized by the police. Besides, a high-level committee has been formed to investigate the matter.
