Four Dead from Toxic Alcohol in Bhavnagar, 18 Hospitalized

August 20, 2026

Bhavnagar, August 20: Four individuals have died after consuming toxic alcohol in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat. Eighteen others have been hospitalized, with eight reported in critical condition. According to police, the counterfeit liquor was illegally brought in from Madhya Pradesh and sold in Bhavnagar.

The victims consumed fake alcohol sold under a popular brand name. Gujarat is a dry state, where the manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcohol are prohibited.

Director General of Police (DGP) G.S. Malik stated, “Four people have died in this incident. All police units across the state have been instructed to conduct a thorough investigation.”

The first death occurred on Tuesday evening, followed by another that night. Two more fatalities were reported on Wednesday.

Authorities indicate that at least 22 individuals have been affected by the toxic alcohol. The deceased have been identified as Karthik Makwana (40), Upendra Gohil (25), and Ghanshyamsingh Jadeja (50). The post-mortem and toxicology report for the fourth victim, Narendra Yadav, is pending. All four deceased were residents of Bhavnagar district.

Currently, the 18 hospitalized individuals are receiving treatment at Sir Takhtsinhji General Hospital and four private hospitals. Two patients are in critical condition, four are in the ICU, two are on ventilators, and ten are reported stable.

The district administration received reports around 6 PM on Tuesday that four individuals had fallen ill after consuming illegal alcohol at a party held in Kharkadi village, Ghogha taluka, on August 16.

In response, Bhavnagar police detained four suspected alcohol traffickers on Tuesday night, accused of bringing liquor from Madhya Pradesh and selling it in the district.

Bhavnagar Superintendent of Police Nitesh Pandey announced that 16 police teams have been formed to investigate the arrests and the supply chain of the alcohol.

Meanwhile, the Ahmedabad rural police have also intensified their investigation, as there are concerns that the toxic alcohol supply may have passed through their jurisdiction.