Ahmedabad, August 20: In a significant operation, the Gujarat Police’s State Monitoring Cell (SMC) has arrested 13 individuals in connection with a toxic alcohol incident in Bhavnagar district. Authorities reported on Thursday that the investigation revealed a large quantity of methanol-laced counterfeit alcohol was being sold in bottles bearing labels of a well-known Indian whiskey brand.
So far, seven people have died, and 25 others are receiving treatment in various hospitals. The situation escalated after a case of accidental death was registered at the Vartej police station on August 18, following reports of fatalities and illnesses linked to illegal alcohol consumption. This case was filed under Section 194 of the Indian Citizen Safety Code, 2023.
During the investigation, police discovered that individuals had consumed counterfeit alcohol contained in bottles labeled with the Indian whiskey brand, which had dangerously high levels of methanol. In light of the severity of the situation, Director General of Police (DGP) G.S. Malik instructed the SMC to conduct a thorough investigation.
Subsequently, a criminal case was registered against 21 suspects allegedly involved in the production and sale of counterfeit alcohol at the Vartej police station. The accused face charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, 2023, as well as several provisions of the Gujarat Prohibition Act.
Following the DGP’s directives, SMC Police Inspector S.M. Jadeja took charge of the investigation. The SMC formed multiple teams and successfully apprehended 13 of the 21 named suspects. The police are preparing to seek remand for the arrested individuals to facilitate further investigation.
Among those arrested are Gautam Solanki (24), Jatin Kambad (21), Saras Solanki (25), Paras alias Pappu Chudasama (30), Mandeep Singh Prithviraj Singh Gohil (20), Dharmendra Singh alias Dhamo Gohil (30), Jaydeep Makwana (27), Harsh alias Hasu Chauhan (25), Vivek Algotar (26), Bhargav Bhatt (29), Keval alias Sango Solanki, Sukdev Salat (25), and Hardik alias Tincho Baraiya (25).
According to police, the suspects hail from various areas in Bhavnagar district, including Vartej, Kharkadi, Ghogha, and Bhavnagar city. During the arrests, the SMC seized bottles, chemicals, and dyes used in the production of counterfeit alcohol, along with whiskey labels, sticker rolls, caps, cardboard, and other materials.
Authorities indicated that these items were transported from different parts of the country. Consequently, SMC teams have been dispatched across Gujarat and other regions to apprehend remaining suspects and those identified during the investigation.
The police investigation is also focused on tracing the source of the alcohol and materials, determining where the counterfeit stock was produced, and mapping its distribution to uncover the entire supply chain.
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D.K./A.B.M.
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