Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday expressed grief and condolences over the loss of lives in the Gujarat hooch tragedy. Calling it a ‘matter of great sadness’, Kejriwal said over 23 people had died and more than 40 had been hospitalised so far. The AAP leader also said he would visit the hospital in Bhavnagar.
“It is very sad to know that more than 23 people have died and over 40 are admitted in hospital after consuming spurious liquor. I offer condolences to those who have died and will visit Bhavnagar hospital today,” Kejriwal tweeted.
Kejriwal – in Gujarat on a campaign visit ahead of the Assembly election later this year – also called the incident ‘unfortunate’. Speaking to reporters on Monday night he alleged that illegal liquor is being sold in large quantities in Gujarat – where prohibition is in effect.
“It is unfortunate that despite prohibition illegal liquor is sold in huge quantities in Gujarat. Who are the people who sell illegal liquor? They enjoy political protection. Where does the money (generated by selling illegal liquor) go? This needs to be probed,” he declared.
There have been 21 deaths since Monday related to the consumption of spurious liquor in Botad district, news agency PTI said. A joint team of police, Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and the Ahmedabad Crime Branch are investigating the case. A few people have been detained so far, PTI said. Police also said they would add charges of murder, if required.
The matter came to light after residents of Rojid village in Barvala taluka of Botad district and some other villages were hospitalised after their health deteriorated Monday morning.
The manufacturing and sale of liquor is banned in Gujarat.
As per the Gujarat Prohibition Act, police can arrest a person for purchasing, consuming, or serving alcohol without a permit with punishment from three months to five years in prison.