At least 11 people have died and eight remain hospitalised following the consumption of spurious liquor in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, as police intensify their hunt for additional accused in what has emerged as one of the state's deadliest hooch tragedies in recent years. The deaths are linked to contaminated liquor consumed during gatherings in and around Kharakdi village in Ghogha taluka.

What the Investigation Has Found

Bhavnagar Range Inspector General of Police R V Asari confirmed the updated toll, stating: 'The toll has risen to 11. Eight people are still receiving treatment. Investigation is on to apprehend further accused.' Victims developed symptoms including vomiting, breathing difficulties and other serious health complications before being rushed to hospital.

A chemical analysis of one seized bottle revealed a staggering 38.59 per cent methanol and just 0.94 per cent ethanol, according to police case records — a ratio that is acutely lethal. The liquor had been sold in bottles bearing counterfeit stickers designed to mimic the popular 'Royal Stag' brand, making detection by consumers extremely difficult.

Arrests and Remand

The State Monitoring Cell (SMC), which took over the investigation on the directions of Director General of Police G S Malik, has arrested 13 accused so far. A court granted all 13 a 10-day police remand until 31 August, during which investigators are questioning them to establish the source of the liquor, the method of bottle counterfeiting, and the distribution route through which the stock was transported.

Gujarat Police had earlier registered a case against 21 accused under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Gujarat Prohibition Act. Police have seized duplicate bottles, chemicals, colouring agents, stickers, sticker rolls, bottle caps, cardboard and other materials allegedly used in manufacturing the counterfeit liquor.

Supply Chain Under Scrutiny

Investigators are examining the wider distribution network, with teams dispatched to multiple locations across Gujarat and other parts of the country to trace and apprehend additional suspects whose names have surfaced during questioning. The SMC is specifically probing the suspected manufacture, transportation and distribution of the spurious liquor within Bhavnagar district.

Police Face Disciplinary Action

The tragedy has triggered internal accountability measures. The State Police Chief suspended the Bhavnagar District Local Crime Branch inspector, while Range IG Asari suspended the Vartej Police Station inspector. The Bhavnagar District Superintendent of Police additionally suspended three D-Staff personnel, the local beat jamadar of Vartej Police Station, and a woman jamadar of Nilambaug Police Station.

Public Health Warning

Authorities have urged anyone who may have consumed liquor from bottles bearing suspected 'Royal Stag' stickers to seek immediate medical attention. Those in possession of such bottles have been asked not to consume them and to notify police at once. The investigation remains active, with the death toll and the list of accused both subject to change as the probe widens.