Hooch Tragedy: Death toll climbs to 86, bootleggers detained

Ahmedabad, July 9 (PTI) The death toll in the hooch
tragedy rose to 86 with another 38 persons falling victims in
more areas in the city Thursday as the police launched a
crackdown arresting over 450 bootleggers and sealing scores of
illicit liquor dens across the western state of Gujarat.

Angry people took to streets damaging municipal buses and
stoning police personnel as the Narendra Modi government faced
intense criticism over one of the worst hooch tragedies in the
state which is a dry state.

The fatalities could go up further after the tragedy
unfolded on Tuesday since some of those hospitalised after
consuming the spurious brew are in a serious condition, police
said.

"The death toll due to consumption of spurious liquor has
risen to 86," police control room officials said. Over 100
people are under treatment in various hospitals.

People from different parts of the city like Odhav,
Amraiwadi, Raipur, Rakhial and Raipur continued to be admitted
to hospitals.

The mounting deaths sparked public anger as protests were
held in different parts of the city and the state against the
inaction of police and government on illegal liquor dens.

Residents in Odhav area came out on streets, damaged
municipal buses, pelted stone on police and burnt the effigies
of Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Minister of State of Home
Amit Shah.

The police in a coordinated crackdown on illegal liquor
dens across the state arrested more than 450 bootleggers.

The hooch tragedy rocked the state Assembly for the
second day Thursday with the opposition Congress voicing
strong protests. PTI PD