Bhavnagar Spurious Liquor Tragedy: 4 Dead, 20 Hospitalised

BHAVNAGAR: A suspected spurious liquor racket has claimed four lives and left 20 people hospitalised in Bhavnagar, triggering a major police crackdown and raising fresh questions over the illegal supply of counterfeit alcohol in the district.

The victims are from areas and villages including Bharatnagar, Akwada, Talaja Road, Khatdi, Kharkadi, Nana Khokhra and Devgana. Following the incident, a high-level meeting was held at Ahmedabad airport late Tuesday night, after which SMC SP Mayur Singh Chavda rushed to Bhavnagar to oversee the investigation.

Police suspect that 28 boxes of liquor were brought from Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. So far, 15 boxes have reportedly been seized, while efforts are underway to trace the remaining 13.

As many as 15 police teams have been formed and 13 people, including alleged bootleggers and suppliers, have been detained. Investigators have also begun questioning migrant workers suspected of being involved in manufacturing the counterfeit liquor.

The suspected poisoning came to light after a liquor party in Kharkadi village on the night of August 16. Vishwarajsinh Gohil, who had been selected for police recruitment, reportedly hosted a party for friends. Four friends consumed Royal Stag liquor, following which Upendrasinh Gohil died during treatment and Vishwarajsinh was admitted in serious condition.

Investigators suspect that the liquor may have contained excessive quantities of methanol or ethanol, though the precise cause will be established through forensic and medical examinations.

SDM Akshar Vyas said 20 people are currently receiving treatment—12 at Bhavnagar Civil Hospital, five at Arogyam Hospital, one at BIMS and two at Ved ICU.

“Anyone who has consumed the suspected liquor should immediately seek treatment at the nearest medical centre,” Vyas said, stressing that authorities have deployed dedicated medical teams.

Two of the four deaths are currently being treated as suspicious. One deceased person reportedly had a travel history to Ahmedabad, while the family of another has alleged that spurious liquor consumption caused his death. Officials said the exact cause cannot yet be confirmed.

Police have intensified efforts to recover the remaining liquor consignments and identify everyone involved in the supply chain.

The incident has once again exposed the deadly consequences of counterfeit liquor and prompted authorities to focus on the source, distribution network and suspected manufacturing operation behind the tragedy.