Bhavnagar Liquor Tragedy: 13 More Arrested as Death Toll Reaches 13, SMC Probes Madhya Pradesh Supply Link
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
The Gujarat State Monitoring Cell (SMC) has arrested 13 more accused in the Bhavnagar illicit liquor racket, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 27, as the death toll linked to suspected methanol-laced liquor reached 13.
Investigators have also arrested Anand Chhadi, described as a key accused allegedly involved in supplying raw material from Madhya Pradesh for the manufacture of the spurious liquor.
SMC Expands Probe Into Supply Network
The SMC is investigating the case from multiple angles to trace the alleged supply chain and identify those involved in the manufacture and distribution of the suspected illicit liquor.
According to investigators, Chhadi's alleged role in supplying raw material from Madhya Pradesh is considered crucial to the investigation. He is being questioned about his network, other alleged associates and the destinations to which the material was supplied.
The SMC produced Chhadi before a court while seeking his remand for further interrogation. The remaining 12 accused were also expected to be produced before the court with applications seeking their police remand.
Investigators expect further details about the alleged racket to emerge during questioning, while the possibility of more arrests has not been ruled out.
Death Toll Rises To 13
The case came to light after several people reportedly fell ill following the consumption of suspected spurious liquor containing methanol. Thirteen people have died in the incident so far.
The SMC has intensified its investigation to identify everyone allegedly connected with the network, from the procurement of raw materials to the manufacture and supply of the illicit liquor.
Why Methanol in Liquor Can Be Fatal
Methanol is an industrial alcohol and is highly toxic when consumed. It can be mistakenly or illegally used in the manufacture of spurious liquor in place of, or mixed with, consumable alcohol.
Once inside the body, methanol is metabolised into highly toxic substances that can severely damage the optic nerve and brain, potentially causing blindness, coma and death.
Gujarat witnessed one of its worst hooch tragedies in the Botad-Dhandhuka region in 2022, where investigations found extremely high concentrations of methanol in liquid consumed by victims believing it to be alcohol.
