Spurious liquor deaths in Bhavnagar rise to seven, 30 hospitalised
Seven people have died and 30 are hospitalised in Bhavnagar after consuming spurious liquor. Police say 12 bootleggers have been detained and 21 people named in an FIR. Investigations point to duplicate IMFL bottles, with possible supply from Madhya Pradesh.
Key takeaways
- Seven fatalities and 30 hospitalisations are linked to spurious liquor in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat.
- Twelve bootleggers have been detained; an FIR has been filed against 21 individuals.
- Authorities suggest the counterfeit liquor originated from a supply linked to Madhya Pradesh and involved a duplicate IMFL bottle.
What Happened
Police in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, reported that seven people died after consuming spurious liquor. A total of 30 individuals are receiving treatment. The authorities said 12 bootleggers have been detained and an FIR has been filed against 21 people in connection with the case. The deaths occurred after the victims reportedly drank from counterfeit bottles of a popular Indian-Made Foreign Liquor brand during a party in Kharakadi village in Ghogha taluka, with the initial incident linked to a toxic, chemical-laced liquor. Hospital services, including free treatment camps, were organized with supervision from doctors at Sir T Hospital and IKDRC in Ahmedabad.
The district administration indicated that information about the group falling ill emerged around 6 p.m. on August 18, 2026, in Kharakadi village. Subsequent investigations noted that the affected individuals came from multiple villages and areas within Bhavnagar city. Officials described a common pattern where most victims had consumed liquor from a duplicate bottle of the IMFL brand.
Authorities indicated preliminary findings suggest the counterfeit bottles were supplied from Madhya Pradesh, with ongoing inquiries into the supply chain, production, and distribution to Bhavnagar. A wide-ranging police operation is underway to apprehend additional bootleggers involved in the supply chain.
In addition to the ongoing investigation, a case of accidental death was registered when a person died after consuming toxic liquor at Kharakadi village under the Vartej police station limits, and an FIR naming 21 individuals was subsequently lodged.
Officials cited the involvement of a State Monitoring Cell on the case, and police stated that the investigation remains active as more information is gathered.
Why It Matters
The incident underscores the risks associated with illicit alcohol in a state that bans the manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcohol. It highlights the potential for counterfeit products to cause multiple fatalities and health crises, prompting law enforcement and health authorities to coordinate on investigations, detentions, and public health responses. The case also raises concerns about the illicit liquor supply chain crossing state borders and the adequacy of controls in the IMFL market in the region.
Background
Gujarat is a dry state where alcohol is banned. Previous cases of spurious liquor have prompted police crackdowns and monitoring by state agencies. In this instance, authorities involved include the Inspector General of Police for the Bhavnagar Range, R.V. Asari; the Bhavnagar district collector, Manish Kumar; and the Superintendent of Police, Nitesh Pandey, who provided the updates on detentions, FIRs, and the investigation’s progress.
Key Facts
- Seven deaths reported in Bhavnagar district due to spurious liquor
- 30 people hospitalised in the tragedy
- 12 bootleggers detained; FIR filed against 21 individuals
- Incident linked to counterfeit bottles of a popular IMFL brand consumed during a party in Kharakadi village, Ghogha taluka
- Initial information suggests counterfeit bottles may have been supplied from Madhya Pradesh
- Hospitals involved: Sir Takhtsinh General Hospital, with supervision from IKDRC and Sir T Hospital in related efforts
- Authorities said the illness cluster began around 6 p.m. on August 18, 2026
- Accidental-death case linked to toxic liquor registered at Vartej police station limits, leading to an FIR naming 21 accused
- State Monitoring Cell engaged in the investigation
What Happens Next
Police said the investigation is ongoing, with efforts to identify other bootleggers and trace the supply chain to the source, including the alleged Madhya Pradesh link. No date for the next official update is provided, but authorities indicated continued monitoring and treatment support for affected victims.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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