NHRC seeks Gujarat report on deaths linked to spurious liquor in Bhavnagar
The NHRC has sought a report within two weeks after media reports said nine people died and 39 others were critically hospitalised after consuming methanol-laced spurious liquor in Bhavnagar.
The NHRC said the reported incidents, if true, raise serious issues concerning violation of human rights.
NEW DELHI: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports that at least nine people died and 39 others were hospitalised in critical condition after allegedly consuming spurious Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar district.
According to the reports, the illicit liquor was allegedly spiked with a high concentration of methanol and sold in counterfeit bottles carrying the label of a popular liquor brand.
The NHRC said the reported incidents, if true, raise serious issues concerning violation of human rights. It has issued notices to the Gujarat Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police seeking a detailed report within two weeks.
The Commission has sought an updated account of the death toll and the condition of those hospitalised, along with details of the investigation into the incident.
The report is also expected to provide information on steps being taken to trace the entire supply chain of methanol and other raw materials allegedly used in manufacturing the illicit liquor.
The NHRC has sought details of departmental action initiated against suspended police personnel and any other officials found to have been responsible for lapses.
The Commission has also asked the state authorities to provide details of relief, compensation and medical assistance extended to the families of those who died and to survivors of the incident.
In addition, the NHRC has sought information on long-term measures being implemented to strengthen enforcement of Gujarat’s prohibition law and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The illicit liquor racket reportedly came to light during an investigation into an accidental death case involving a police recruit.
According to media reports cited by the NHRC, police subsequently uncovered a large manufacturing setup and seized chemicals, colouring agents, ready-filled counterfeit liquor bottles, fake branded stickers and sticker rolls, bottle caps and cardboard packaging material.
The Commission’s notice comes as authorities investigate the reported supply chain behind the illicit liquor operation and the circumstances that allowed methanol-laced counterfeit liquor to reach consumers.
