Bhavnagar, August 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The death toll in the spurious liquor tragedy in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar district has risen to seven, while four police personnel have been suspended and an FIR registered against 21 people in connection with the alleged manufacture, sale and distribution of chemically contaminated liquor, officials said on Thursday.
Bhavnagar Superintendent of Police Nitesh Pandey told IANS that 25 to 28 people were undergoing treatment following the incident.
“Seven people have died. At least 25 to 28 are currently receiving treatment. Four cops are suspended in the incident,” Pandey said.
The FIR was registered at Vartej Police Station on August 19 over the alleged consumption and distribution of counterfeit liquor in Kharakdi village of Ghogha taluka. The 21 accused named in the case are from Kharakdi, Vartej, Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh and other parts of Bhavnagar district. They have been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Gujarat Prohibition Act.
According to the FIR, the accused allegedly manufactured, adulterated and sold chemically contaminated liquor for financial gain, putting consumers’ lives at risk. Investigators said the liquor was brought from Ujjain, adulterated and subsequently distributed in Bhavnagar and adjoining areas.
The suspected liquor was sold in bottles bearing the ‘Royal Stag’ label. A chemical analysis cited in the FIR found 38.59 per cent methanol and 0.94 per cent ethanol in one seized bottle.
Methanol was also detected in samples collected from several victims. Those who consumed the liquor reportedly developed symptoms such as vomiting and breathing difficulties before being admitted to hospitals.
Police are investigating the complete supply chain, including the source of the liquor, the method of adulteration and the extent of its distribution. The State Monitoring Cell is also assisting in the probe.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over enforcement of Gujarat’s prohibition laws and the circulation of toxic illicit liquor.
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