BHAVNAGAR, Gujarat: A suspected spurious liquor tragedy has unfolded in Bhavnagar district, with multiple people falling critically ill and several deaths reported after allegedly consuming counterfeit liquor in the Ghogha area.
The incident reportedly came to light in Kharkadi village of Ghogha taluka, where a group of people allegedly consumed liquor during a gathering on August 16. According to reports, several individuals developed serious health complications afterward and were rushed to hospitals for treatment.
One of the reported victims, 25-year-old Upendrasingh Chandrasingh Gohil, a resident of Kharkadi, allegedly consumed liquor with three friends at a farm in the village. He reportedly remained unconscious for around 24 hours before succumbing during treatment.
Other patients, including Ghanshyamsinh Jadeja and Vishwarajsinh Vanrajsinh Gohil, 24, were undergoing treatment at hospitals in Bhavnagar, according to the information available.
Fake Royal Stag Bottles Under Scanner
Preliminary reports indicate that the liquor was allegedly sold in counterfeit bottles bearing the Royal Stag brand. Authorities are investigating whether the liquor was contaminated with toxic substances.
Police have reportedly identified a suspected bootlegger, Gautam Solanki, as one of the people allegedly involved in supplying the liquor. Several suspected bootleggers have been detained as part of the investigation, and counterfeit liquor bottles have reportedly been seized.
Death Toll and Hospitalisations
The number of casualties has been changing as authorities continue to verify medical reports and post-mortem findings. Reports published during the day initially confirmed two deaths and 19 hospitalisations, while later reports indicated that the death toll had risen further.
Among the reported deceased are Upendrasingh Gohil, Narendra Yadav and Kartik Ashwinbhai Makwana. One report subsequently put the total number of deaths at four, underscoring the rapidly developing nature of the case.
Police Investigation Underway
The Bhavnagar police and district administration have launched an investigation into the source and distribution network of the suspected spurious liquor. Officials are also examining the seized bottles and samples to determine the exact substance responsible for the illnesses and deaths.
Authorities have appealed to anyone who may have consumed liquor from the suspected supply chain in recent days to seek immediate medical attention, particularly if they experience symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, breathing difficulties, severe weakness or loss of consciousness.
The investigation is ongoing, and the final death toll and cause of the deaths will depend on official medical, forensic and post-mortem findings.
Published as per media source.
