Surat suspected hooch deaths- CM hands over investigation to ATS SP

Gandhinagar: Gujarat Chief Minister Mr. Vijaybhai Rupani has now decided to hand over the entire investigation of the suspected hooch deaths in Surat to the Police Superintendent of the Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS).

At least 19 people have died so far in last over one week in and around Vareli village of Surat owing to suspected consumption of spurious liquor. Three policemen including the PI of Kadodara GIDC police station H K Bharvad have been suspended in this connection.

Earlier the state government had constituted a three member inquiry committee under ADGP (Law and Order) V M Pargi to probe the incident within three days.

Minister of State for Home Pradeepsinh Jadeja today said that the state government had earlier asked the committee to strictly investigate about the use of liquid methanol and it source of supply and any possible negligence by any official in the matter. Now the SP of the SIT will probe it in detail.

Mr. Jadeja clearly said that under leadership of Mr. Vijaybhai Rupani, this government is committed to strict adherence of alcohol prohibition in the state. The Chief Minister during a video conference with DIGs, Additional Chief Secretary to Home Department, all police commissioners, range IGs, and SPs instructed them to ensure implementation of 100% alcohol prohibition across the state. Mr Rupani has decided that the state government will bear the expenses on the treatment for the affected people of the Surat incident. The government is committed to take strict action against those involved in making and selling illegal liquor.

Surat police had already made a special investigation team with regard to the incident. Two of the affected people died in hospital today.

DeshGujarat