Gujarat Human Rights Commission Demands Report on Syrup Tragedy

Kheda : The Gujarat Human Rights Commission has directed the Kheda District Collector, District Superintendent of Police, and Chief District Health Officer (CDHO) to furnish a comprehensive report within 20 days regarding the Ayurvedic syrup tragedy.

This move comes after dissatisfaction with explanations provided by two private hospitals, leading to the extension of remand for two main accused individuals by the local court.

Kheda District Superintendent of Police, Rajesh Gadhiya, confirmed receiving an email from the State Human Rights Commission, emphasizing the need for a detailed report within the stipulated time frame.

The tragic incident involving an ayurvedic syrup claimed seven lives, with several others falling ill. The police have arrested eight individuals thus far, extending the remand of key figures Yogesh Sindhi and Kishor Sodha. Sodha’s remand is extended until Wednesday morning, while Yogesh will remain in remand until December 14th evening.

Citing the failure of two private hospitals to notify authorities about the syrup incident and the absence of postmortem examinations for five deceased individuals, the district police issued notices to these hospitals. Dissatisfied with their explanations, fresh notices have been served.

The state’s Foods and Drugs Control Administration has sprung into action post the tragedy.

Sources reveal efforts underway to implement regulations governing the manufacturing, storage, and sale of ayurvedic syrup. Presently, producing and vending ayurvedic syrup with less than 12% alcohol does not mandate any license or permit.

Exploiting this loophole, accused individuals like Yogesh Sindhi, Nitin Kotwani, and Bhavesh Saukani allegedly produced substandard liquor under the guise of syrup, leading to the fatal outcome due to the harmful combination of Ethanol that claimed seven lives.