Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Gujarat Hooch Tragedy: Constable Arrested, Toll Reaches 39 Arrests
Police in Gujarat have arrested a police constable in a case involving dangerous homemade liquor.
The arrest brings the total number of people arrested to 39.
Police say the constable was in regular contact with the main accused and helped with the crime.
The liquor was made with methanol, a very poisonous chemical.
Thirteen people died after drinking it, and 67 people consumed the liquor.
Many others became seriously ill and needed hospital treatment.
The liquor was packed in bottles carrying labels of a popular liquor brand.
The accused face several serious criminal charges.
Police arrested constable Rajdeepsinh Gohil, bringing total arrests to 39.
Investigators allege Gohil assisted prime accused Gautam Solanki and stayed in constant contact with him.
Thirteen people died and 67 reportedly consumed methanol-laced liquor in Bhavnagar.
Forensic testing found the liquor contained 38.59% methanol and 0.94% ethanol.
The accused face charges including culpable homicide, conspiracy, adulteration and poisoning.
- Who
- Police constable Rajdeepsinh Gohil and 38 other accused have been arrested; Gautam Solanki is identified as the prime accused.
- What
- A methanol-laced illicit liquor case involving 13 deaths and 39 arrests.
- When
- The liquor was consumed on August 16; an FIR was registered on August 19, and the latest arrest was reported on September 1.
- Where
- The incident occurred in and around Vartej and Bhavnagar, Gujarat; some materials were allegedly procured from Ahmedabad and Ujjain.
- Why
- Police allege that toxic liquor was illegally prepared and distributed, resulting in deaths and severe illnesses.
- Deaths
- 13 people died.
- People who consumed the liquor
- 67 people reportedly consumed the methanol-containing liquor.
- Total arrests
- 39, including constable Rajdeepsinh Gohil.
- Custody status
- Of the first 38 arrests, 14 people were in judicial custody and 24 were on police remand.
- Chemical composition
- The liquor contained 38.59% methanol and 0.94% ethanol.
- Main accused
- Gautam Solanki, a resident of Vartej, is identified as the prime accused.
- Applicable charges
- The accused were booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, criminal conspiracy, adulteration and poisoning under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Prohibition Act.