Rajkot: Nine persons have died and 39 are in hospital after drinking spurious methanol-spiked liquor in Bhavnagar district, prompting a State Monitoring Cell (SMC) probe that has led to 13 arrests and the suspension of six police personnel, including two inspectors.Forty-six people suffered toxic effects after drinking the rotgut liquor. Six of the deceased were identified as Upendrasinh Gohil (25), Kartik Makwana (40), Kanaksinh Gohil (37), Ghanshyamsinh Jadeja (49), Hitesh Parmar (42), Jay Bhatti (35) and Narendrasinh Yadav (47).Yadav has also been named as an accused in the complaint registered at Vartej police station. The illicit liquor racket came to light during an investigation of an accidental death case registered on Tuesday, for the death of police recruit Upendrasinh Gohil.Preliminary findings indicate that the spurious liquor contained high levels of methanol and was packaged in counterfeit bottles carrying “Royal Stag” labels.During raids, investigators uncovered a large manufacturing setup and seized chemicals and colouring agents, ready-filled counterfeit liquor bottles, fake branded stickers and sticker rolls, bottle caps and cardboard packaging material.Twenty-one people have been booked for the racket. Thirteen have been arrested, including the prime accused, Gautam Solanki.Investigators said Solanki contacted tasked one Raees with arranging the manufacturing operation. Police said the activity was carried out with the help of Raees’s associate, Zuber, and others.With raw materials sourced from various parts of the country, the SMC has widened its investigation beyond Bhavnagar. Teams are now examining supply links in other districts of Gujarat and other states to trace the source of the ingredients used.The matter also triggered departmental action. Six police personnel, including two inspectors, have been suspended as authorities examine enforcement lapses. Investigators are continuing to probe the production, supply and distribution chain behind the toxic brew.Investigating officer S M Jadeja said the accused were produced in a local court, which granted custodial interrogation till Aug 31.
