The number of deaths in Gujarat’s Botad district owing to the use of chemical-laced booze or fake liquor has increased to 28, with three FIRs filed in Barwala, Ranpur, and Ahmedabad Rural, officials said on Tuesday.
Over a dozen people were hospitalised as a result of drinking fake booze. A committee has been created to investigate the issue of chemical usage in Botad, Banvala, and Dhandhuka Talukas. Over 14 persons have been charged in connection with the event.
“A total of 28 people have died in the tragedy. The chemical was directly mixed with water and consumed by people, 600 litres of this was sold at Rs 40,000,” informed the Director general of police (DGP), Ashish Bhatia.
DGP Bhatia further stated that the local police will create a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the case.
“Three FIRs have been lodged in Barwala, Ranpur, and Ahmedabad Rural…The local police will form a SIT,” he added.
Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi took notice of the issue and convened a meeting to discuss it.
Following the conference, a committee was constituted to investigate the occurrence of chemical usage in Botad, Banvala, and Dhandhuka Talukas.
“This is in reference to the chemical usage event that occurred on 25/7/22 and 26/7/22 in villages in the Botad and Ahmedabad districts. Given the seriousness of the occurrence, the State Government has decided to establish a Committee,” read the state government’s formal resolution.
Subhash Trivedi, IPS Inspector General of Police (Crime — I), CID (Crime and Railways), MA Gandhi, IAS VC and MD, GSRTC and Director, Prohibition and Excise, Gujarat, and HP Sanghvi, Director Forensic Science Laboratory, Gujarat make up the committee.
The Committee will investigate the causes of this tragedy and present a full report, according to the official document.
The event was brought to light yesterday night when numerous people were transported to hospitals after drinking wine laced with hazardous substances.
“13 persons from adjacent communities were admitted to a civil hospital; 6 are stable and are being monitored. The remaining six are being treated. Nobody is serious right now. We are prepared to treat additional patients,” Dr Rakesh Joshi, Medical Superintendent, Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, stated on Tuesday morning.
Further investigations are underway.
