Bhavnagar, August 25: The Gujarat State Monitoring Cell (SMC) has arrested 13 more individuals in connection with the toxic liquor case in Bhavnagar district. This brings the total number of arrests to 27. Investigators are tracing the supply chain of methanol and other chemicals allegedly used to produce the toxic liquor.
The recent arrests were made based on information obtained from the initial 14 suspects. This information has helped authorities identify the sources of raw materials, the methods used to create the toxic liquor, and the individuals involved in its distribution and sale.
According to officials, the newly arrested suspects were presented in court, which remanded them to police custody until September 2.
The investigation began after a case of an accidental death was reported at the Vartej police station on August 18. Police discovered that individuals had consumed methanol-laced toxic liquor, leading to 13 confirmed deaths so far.
Charges have been filed against 21 suspects under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, 2023, and the Prohibition Act.
Under the directives of Director General of Police (DGP) G.S. Malik, the investigation has been assigned to the SMC, led by Police Inspector S.M. Jadeja.
The SMC has deployed 16 teams across various districts in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat. These teams are investigating the sources of methanol and other chemicals, the transporters involved, and the locations from which the raw materials were brought to Gujarat.
During the initial 14 arrests, bottles of toxic chemical-laced liquor were seized. Subsequent interrogations provided investigators with insights into the procurement of raw materials and the processes involved in producing and distributing the liquor.
Among the recently arrested suspects is Anand Chandi from Rajgarh district in Madhya Pradesh. Police allege he played a crucial role in the conspiracy to produce toxic liquor, including supplying the necessary chemicals. The other 12 suspects include Arvind alias Pandey Solanki, Sanjay Makwana, Nitin alias Munna Mori, Kishore alias Pocho Solanki, Mayur Solanki, Sanjay Mori, Mukesh alias Kachori Baraiya, Sanjay alias Chakram Baraiya, Nirmalsingh Vaghela, Parthraj Singh Gohil, Sanjay Chavda, and Bhagirat Singh Gohil.
According to police, these 12 suspects are residents of various areas in Bhavnagar district and were involved in the supply chain. They are accused of purchasing, storing, and supplying or selling the liquor.
With the recent arrests, the SMC has confirmed that a total of 27 individuals have been apprehended for their involvement in the conspiracy to produce and distribute toxic liquor, fully aware of the potential fatal consequences.
Police are currently gathering evidence and tracking down those involved in purchasing, producing, transporting, and distributing the toxic liquor. The SMC stated that its teams are working to apprehend the remaining suspects and uncover the entire network behind the toxic liquor supply.
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