Highlights
- The victims had consumed methyl in highly concentrated form
- The methyl was provided to them by a local bootlegger
- Three persons were detained who were allegedly involved in manufacturing and selling spurious liquor
Gujarat hooch tragedy: The death toll due to the consumption of spurious liquor in Gujarat's Botad district has gone up to 28. According to the details, 40 others are undergoing treatment at various government hospitals in Bhavnagar, Botad, Barvala and Dhandhuka.
Reports suggested the victims had consumed methyl in highly concentrated form which was provided to them by a local bootlegger.
Gujarat Director General of Police Ashish Bhatia earlier said the police have detained three persons from Botad district who were allegedly involved in manufacturing and selling spurious country-made liquor.
He later confirmed the death toll in the case has gone up to 28.
The matter came to light early Monday morning when some locals of Rojid village of Barvala taluka and other surrounding villages were referred to government hospitals in Barvala and Botad towns after their condition started deteriorating.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (Bhavnagar range) Ashok Kumar had said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under a deputy superintendent of a police-rank officer will be formed to probe into the incident and to nab bootleggers who sold the spurious liquor.
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and the Ahmedabad crime branch have also joined the investigation.
Gujarat hooch tragedy: Kejriwal to visit Bhavnagar hospital
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday said he will visit a hospital in Bhavnagar where some of the people were admitted after consuming spurious liquor.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener arrived in Gujarat on Monday evening and is scheduled to offer prayers at the Somnath temple in Gir Somnath district and later address traders in Rajkot on Tuesday.
"It is very sad to know that more than 23 people have died and over 40 are admitted in hospital after consuming spurious liquor. I offer condolences to those who have died and will visit Bhavnagar hospital today," Kejriwal tweeted.
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