Bhavnagar, Aug 22 — The death toll in the spurious liquor case has risen to 11, with eight people still undergoing treatment in Bhavnagar district as police continue their investigation to identify and apprehend other accused involved in the distribution of the contaminated liquor.
Bhavnagar Range Inspector General of Police R V Asari told IANS that 11 people had died in the incident and eight others remained under treatment.
“The toll has risen to 11. Eight people are still receiving treatment. Investigation is on to apprehend further accused,” Asari said.
The latest deaths come as the State Monitoring Cell (SMC) continues to investigate the suspected manufacture, transportation and distribution of spurious liquor in Bhavnagar district.
Police are examining the wider supply network and the role of additional people suspected of being involved.
The case came to light after several people fell seriously ill following consumption of liquor during gatherings in and around Kharakdi village in Ghogha taluka.
Victims were admitted to hospitals after developing symptoms including vomiting, breathing difficulties and other health complications.
The investigation found that the liquor had been sold in bottles carrying stickers resembling those of the popular 'Royal Stag' brand.
A chemical analysis of one seized bottle recorded 38.59 per cent methanol and 0.94 per cent ethanol, according to the police case records.
The Gujarat Police had registered a case against 21 accused under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Gujarat Prohibition Act.
The SMC, acting on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) G S Malik, subsequently took over the investigation. The SMC has arrested 13 accused so far in the case.
A court granted a 10-day police remand to all 13 accused until August 31. Investigators are questioning them to establish the source of the liquor, how the counterfeit bottles were prepared and the route through which the stock was transported and distributed.
Police have seized duplicate liquor bottles, chemicals and colours allegedly used in manufacturing counterfeit liquor, along with stickers, sticker rolls, bottle caps, cardboard and other material.
Teams have also been sent to different locations in Gujarat and other parts of the country to trace and apprehend additional suspects whose involvement has emerged during the investigation.
The incident has also led to disciplinary action against police personnel. The State Police Chief suspended the Bhavnagar District Local Crime Branch inspector, while the Bhavnagar Range IG suspended the Vartej Police Station inspector.
Three D-Staff personnel and the local beat jamadar of Vartej Police Station, along with a woman jamadar of Nilambaug Police Station, were also suspended by the Bhavnagar District Superintendent of Police.
Authorities have appealed to people who may have consumed liquor from bottles bearing the suspected 'Royal Stag' stickers to seek immediate medical attention.
The police have also urged anyone in possession of such bottles not to consume them and to inform the authorities.
The investigation remains underway, with police continuing efforts to trace the wider supply chain and apprehend further accused.