Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Gujarat Reports Eight Dead in Suspected Methanol-Laced Liquor Tragedy
Eight people in Gujarat died after allegedly drinking liquor contaminated with methanol.
Methanol is a dangerous chemical that can make people very sick.
Police found 29 people who may have been affected and took them for medical care.
Nineteen people were still being treated, while 16 others had left the hospital.
A 35-year-old man from Surat was declared brain dead after becoming ill after visiting Bhavnagar.
Officials said the suspected liquor was found in bottles with the same barcode.
Police arrested 13 of 21 accused people named in cases.
Seven police officers were suspended after an initial investigation found possible negligence.
Gujarat minister Jitu Vaghani said eight people died after allegedly consuming methanol-laced liquor in Bhavnagar district.
Police located 29 affected people; 19 remain under treatment and 16 have been discharged, according to the government.
Surat resident Sanjay Dodiya, 35, was declared brain dead after falling ill following a visit to Bhavnagar.
Authorities said contaminated liquor was found in bottles bearing barcode 8901522000665.
Cases were registered against 21 accused, 13 were arrested, and seven police personnel were suspended over alleged negligence.
- Who
- Eight deceased victims, 29 affected people, Sanjay Dodiya, alleged liquor suppliers, and Gujarat authorities including minister Jitu Vaghani.
- What
- A suspected methanol-laced liquor incident caused deaths and illnesses, prompting arrests, medical treatment, and police suspensions.
- When
- The incident came to light three days before Jitu Vaghani's Friday visit; Dodiya became ill after returning to Surat on August 17 and was declared brain dead on Friday afternoon.
- Where
- The incident occurred in Bhavnagar district, while Dodiya was treated in Surat.
- Why
- The victims allegedly consumed adulterated liquor, which authorities said was contaminated and sold in bottles bearing a common barcode.
Official Response
Accountability Concerns
Government and police action
Official Response
Jitu Vaghani said police and administrators acted promptly to locate affected people, provide treatment, arrest suspects, and pursue strict action.
Accountability Concerns
The preliminary investigation reportedly found police negligence, leading to the suspension of seven personnel, including two inspectors.
Prohibition enforcement
Official Response
The State Monitoring Cell warned the public about bottles carrying the identified barcode and investigated the contaminated liquor.
Accountability Concerns
The circulation of contaminated liquor was viewed as especially notable because Gujarat has been under prohibition since 1960.
- Reported deaths
- Eight, according to Gujarat minister Jitu Vaghani.
- People located
- Police located 29 affected people.
- Medical status
- Nineteen people were under treatment and 16 had been discharged.
- Sanjay Dodiya
- The 35-year-old Surat resident was declared brain dead after suspected liquor consumption.
- Common barcode
- 8901522000665 was found on bottles containing contaminated liquor.
- Accused
- Cases were registered against 21 people; 13 were arrested.
- Police suspensions
- Seven police personnel, including two inspectors, were suspended after alleged negligence emerged.