gujarat-8-dead-25-hospitalised-after-consuming-spurious-liquor

At least eight people have died and 25 others are undergoing treatment after being affected by suspected spurious liquor in Gujarat's Bhavnagar district, officials said on Friday.

 

Bhavnagar Sub-Divisional Magistrate Akshar Vyas said the administration has so far verified 61 affected people in its records. Of them, 10 were discharged from hospitals on Thursday, while another 18 people who reached hospitals were examined by doctors but did not require admission.

 

“Eight deaths” have been recorded so far, Vyas said, adding that medical teams are continuing to verify details of those affected.

 

Authorities have sent blood samples of the affected individuals to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and other laboratories to determine the exact cause of the illnesses and deaths.

 

Vyas said the administration would decide the further course of action after receiving the laboratory reports. He added that the district administration, medical college and hospital authorities had taken measures to provide treatment to those affected.

 

Bhavnagar City Tehsildar and Executive Magistrate Kishan B Chandaliya said five new cases were reported on Thursday, while 10 patients recovered and were discharged.

 

Of the 25 people currently undergoing treatment, five are reportedly in critical condition.

 

The administration has coordinated with hospitals to ensure that affected people receive medical care, Chandaliya said.

Also read: Pune hooch tragedy: Toxic methanol traced to Thane facility

 

Mevani seeks Home Minister's resignation

 

Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani visited the hospital in Bhavnagar and met the families of patients admitted to the ICU. He also took stock of the condition of those undergoing treatment.

 

Mevani alleged that the latest incident was the sixth such case in Gujarat involving illicit liquor and drugs over the past five years. He accused the state government of failing to curb the illegal trade and demanded the resignation of Gujarat Home Minister.

 

The administration, meanwhile, has not yet confirmed that consumption of spurious liquor was the cause of the deaths. Officials said the exact cause will be established after the laboratory reports are received.

 

The incident has once again raised concerns over the illegal liquor trade in Gujarat, where prohibition remains in force.