Bhavnagar Spurious Liquor Tragedy: NHRC Issues Notice to Gujarat Chief Secretary, DGP

Bhavnagar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports that at least nine people died and 39 others were hospitalised in critical condition after consuming spurious Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, a press release said. Notably, the death toll has risen to 13 as of today.

As per the NHRC, the illicit liquor was spiked with a high concentration of methanol and was being sold in counterfeit bottles bearing the label of a popular brand. The illicit liquor racket came to light during an investigation into an accidental death case registered following the death of a police recruit.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news reports, if true, raise serious issues of human rights violations. Therefore, it has issued notices to the Gujarat Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, seeking a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.

The report is expected to include the updated status of the death toll, hospitalised victims and the investigation, including the steps taken to trace the entire supply chain of methanol and other raw materials. It should also include details of the departmental action initiated against the suspended police personnel and any other erring officials, as well as the relief, compensation and medical assistance provided to the families of the deceased and survivors. Besides, the Commission has also sought a report on the long-term measures being implemented to strengthen the enforcement of the prohibition law and prevent such tragedies.

According to media reports, a large manufacturing setup was uncovered, and chemicals, colouring agents, ready-filled counterfeit liquor bottles, fake branded stickers and sticker rolls, bottle caps and cardboard packaging material were seized by the police. DeshGujarat