Hooch Tragedy: Death toll climbs to 73

Ahmedabad, July 9 (PTI) The death toll in the hooch
tragedy rose to 73 as 25 people died Thursday during treatment
in various hospitals of the city, police said here in the
western state of Gujarat.

Till Wednesday late night the death toll was 48.

"Seventy-three people have died till now due to the
consumption of spurious liquor," a senior police officer told
PTI, adding that over hundred people are under treatment in
various city hospitals.

People from different parts of the city like Odhav,
Amraiwadi, Raipur, Rakhial and other areas continue to be
admitted in hospitals.

Residents and shop-keepers from the affected areas took
to the streets, shouting anti-government slogans and demanded
stern action against the bootleggers.

Angry crowd was also seen pelting stones at police,
deployed to control the situation.

"The situation in Odhav is under control now. Eleven
people have been rounded up in this connection. One assistant
sub-inspector received minor injuries after being hit by a
stone," Joint Commissioner of Police G K Parmar said.

Meanwhile, the police department have cracked down on
illicit liquor dens across the state.

The city crime branch investigating the case has arrested
one bootlegger Harishankar Kahar who allegedly supplied
spurious liquor in the Majoor Gam and Odhav areas of the city
where most of the deaths have occurred, they said, adding that
he was being interrogated.

Harishankar has been booked under PASA (Prevention of
anti-Social activities Act) and 15 cases under Prohibition Act
have also been registered against him.

Over 100 bootleggers have been detained in Ahmedabad and
the crime branch has raided their illegal liquor dens, police
said.

In Navsari district, 23 bootleggers have been detained
for interrogation while 13 liquor dens have been sealed,
police said, adding, raids were on in other parts of the
district.

Besides, nearly 200 bootleggers have been rounded up in
Bharuch district and their liquor dens closed, they said.

Six police officials including two Deputy SP rank
officers have been suspended and transfered following the
hooch tragedy.

The state government has also announced formation of a
four-member Commission of Inquiry headed by Retd Justice Kamal
Mehta to probe the incident. PTI PB
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