New Delhi, August 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of reports that at least nine people died and 39 others were hospitalised in critical condition after allegedly consuming spurious Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar district.
The NHRC said that, if the reported facts are correct, the incident raises serious concerns over possible violations of human rights. It has issued notices to the Gujarat Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, seeking a detailed report within two weeks.
The commission has sought an updated account of the number of deaths and hospitalised victims, along with details of the investigation. It has specifically asked authorities to report on efforts to trace the entire supply chain of methanol and other raw materials allegedly used in making the contaminated liquor.
The NHRC has also sought details of departmental action against suspended police personnel and any other officials found responsible, besides information on relief, compensation and medical assistance provided to the families of those who died and the survivors.
The commission further asked the state government to provide details of long-term measures being taken to strengthen enforcement of the prohibition law and prevent similar incidents.
According to media reports, the illicit liquor was allegedly mixed with a high concentration of methanol and sold in counterfeit bottles carrying the label of a popular brand.
The racket reportedly came to light during an investigation into the accidental death of a police recruit. Police subsequently uncovered a large manufacturing setup and seized chemicals, colouring agents, ready-filled counterfeit liquor bottles, fake branded stickers and rolls, bottle caps and cardboard packaging material.
Meanwhile, the Gujarat Police State Monitoring Cell (SMC) has arrested 13 more people in the case, taking the total number of arrests to 27. Investigators are attempting to trace the supply chain of methanol and other chemicals allegedly used to manufacture the poisonous liquor.
Police said information obtained during the questioning of 14 previously arrested accused helped investigators identify sources of raw materials, the method allegedly used to prepare the contaminated liquor and those involved in its sale and distribution.
The 13 newly arrested accused were produced before a court, which remanded them to police custody until September 2.
Among them is Anand Chhandi, a resident of Rajgarh district in Madhya Pradesh. Police allege that he was brought from Ujjain and played a key role in the alleged conspiracy, including supplying chemicals used in preparing the liquor.
The remaining 12 accused, from different parts of Bhavnagar district, allegedly performed various roles in the supply chain, including procuring, possessing, supplying and selling the liquor to consumers.
The SMC said all 27 arrested individuals were allegedly involved in the conspiracy to manufacture and distribute the poisonous liquor despite knowing that its consumption could result in loss of life.
Investigators are continuing to gather evidence and trace other people allegedly involved in procuring chemicals, manufacturing, transporting and distributing the contaminated liquor. The SMC said further efforts were underway to identify and arrest other accused and establish the complete network behind the supply of the poisonous liquor.
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