Death tolls to 21 after illegal alcohol consumption in Gujarat despite the Alcohol Prohibiting Act in force, police probes.
Mumbai: The number of deaths from illegal alcohol consumption in the Botad district of Gujarat has risen to 21, officials said today. Around 30 people are still being treated at various government hospitals in Bhavnagar, Botad, Barvala, and Dhandhuka, officials told PTI.
Gujarat Police Director General Ashish Bhatia said earlier that police had arrested three people from Botad district who are believed to be involved in the manufacture and sale of counterfeit alcohol produced in the country. The issue appeared after people who consumed liquor in villages, their health started deteriorating and they were referred to a government hospital in Barvala and Botad towns.
Police Inspector General (Bhavnagar Range) Ashok Kumar Yadav had said that a special investigation team (SIT) will be formed under a deputy superintendent of the police rank officer to investigate the incident and catch smugglers using the liquor sold false. The Gujarat Counter-Terrorism Team (ATS) and the Ahmedabad Anti-Crime Department also joined the investigation.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is on a Gujarat visit has termed this incident as ‘unfortunate’ and alleged that illegal liquor is being sold in large quantities in Gujarat where prohibition is in place.
“It is unfortunate that despite prohibition, illegal liquor is sold in huge quantities in Gujarat. Who are the people who sell illegal liquor? They enjoy political protection. Where does the money go? This needs to be probed,” he told reporters in Porbandar.
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