Two Labourers Die After Consuming Countrymade Liquor in Gujarat
Two labourers from Lihoda village in Gandhinagar district, Gujarat, tragically lost their lives on Sunday night after consuming countrymade liquor. Despite being a ‘dry state’, where the manufacture and sale of alcohol is banned, this incident has raised concerns about the availability and consumption of illicit liquor.
The deceased have been identified as Vikram Thakor, aged 35, and Kanaji Jhala, aged 40. They were found to have consumed an excessive amount of alcohol, with an alarming 370% alcohol content in their blood samples. The forensic science laboratory (FSL) report ruled out the presence of methyl alcohol, dismissing initial suspicions of hooch involvement.
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Countrymade liquor typically contains 12-15% alcohol by volume (ABV), but in this case, it registered at a higher concentration of 22%. However, it is important to note that even at 22% ABV, this falls considerably below the alcohol content found in scotch whiskey, which usually ranges between 35-40% ABV, according to an official.
Following the tragic incident, five more individuals from the same village have been placed under medical observation as a precautionary measure. Fortunately, their condition is reported to be stable.
Government Condemned for Ease in Prohibition
Gopal Italia, a member of the Aam Aadmi Party, strongly criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government for the incident. He pointed out the irony of impoverished individuals losing their lives to illicitly sourced spurious liquor, while the government appears to be easing prohibition in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).
Gujarat strictly enforces the Gujarat Prohibition Act, which prohibits the purchase, consumption, or serving of alcohol without a valid license or permit. Violators can face imprisonment ranging from three months to five years.
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However, recent developments at GIFT City have seen the issuance of a license to the Grand Mercure hotel and an associated club, allowing them to serve alcohol to their customers. This has sparked further debate on the enforcement of prohibition in the state.
Previous Incidents Highlight the Tragedy of Illicit Liquor
This unfortunate incident is not the first of its kind in Gujarat. In November, seven individuals lost their lives in Kheda district after consuming a counterfeit herbal syrup contaminated with methanol. The police took action against the seller, Kishor Sodha, and three others.
Similarly, in July 2022, a hooch tragedy in Botad district claimed the lives of at least 45 people. The incident was attributed to the mixing of a chemical sold by bootleggers, sourced from a godown of a chemical company in Ahmedabad.
These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with the consumption of illicit liquor. It is crucial for the government and law enforcement agencies to address this issue effectively and ensure the safety of the people.
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