Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Bhavnagar Spurious Liquor Deaths Leave Eight Dead, 25 Hospitalised
People in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, became seriously ill after drinking illegal alcohol.
Officials said 61 people were affected and eight died.
Twenty-five people were still in hospitals.
Ten of those patients were in intensive care, and one needed a ventilator to help breathe.
Tests found that the drink contained a large amount of methanol, a poisonous chemical.
Police said the alcohol was put into bottles carrying the name of a popular alcohol brand.
Thirteen people had been arrested in the case.
Investigators are trying to find everyone involved in making and selling the drink, while a Congress lawmaker blamed the state government for repeated illegal-liquor incidents.
Officials said 61 people were affected after consuming suspected spurious liquor in Bhavnagar district, with eight deaths confirmed.
Twenty-five people remained under treatment; 10 were in intensive care, including one receiving ventilator support.
Laboratory testing found the liquor contained 38.59% methanol and 0.94% ethanol.
Police arrested 13 of the 21 people named in the FIR, which includes charges of culpable homicide, adulteration and poisoning.
The State Monitoring Cell took over the investigation and sent teams to Madhya Pradesh and Delhi to trace raw-material suppliers.
- Who
- Residents who consumed the liquor, police, the Gujarat State Monitoring Cell, and 21 people named in the FIR were involved in the incident and investigation.
- What
- Suspected spurious liquor affected 61 people, killed eight and led to hospitalisation, arrests and a criminal investigation.
- When
- The incident came to light after three people consumed the liquor on the night of August 16; the FIR was registered on August 19.
- Where
- The reported consumption occurred in Vartej, in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar district; investigative teams were also sent to Madhya Pradesh and Delhi.
- Why
- Officials said the liquor contained toxic methanol and that those allegedly involved appeared to have acted for financial gain.
Officials’ account
Political criticism
Cause and response
Officials’ account
Officials and police attributed the illnesses and deaths to suspected spurious liquor containing toxic methanol. They said hospitals and the administration provided treatment, while police arrested suspects and expanded the investigation.
Political criticism
Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani said the incident reflected a broader failure to stop illicit liquor and other drug trades in Gujarat. He demanded the resignation of the state Home Minister.
Extent of the problem
Officials’ account
The administration reported 61 verified affected people, eight deaths, 25 patients under treatment and 10 people in intensive care. An ANI report separately quoted an official as saying five patients were more critical.
Political criticism
Mevani alleged that this was the sixth such incident in Gujarat in five years and said previous incidents had also placed hundreds of people at risk or caused deaths.
- Affected people
- 61 verified individuals
- Confirmed deaths
- 8
- Currently receiving treatment
- 25 people
- Intensive care
- 10 patients, including one on ventilator support
- Liquor composition
- 38.59% methanol and 0.94% ethanol
- Arrests
- 13 of 21 people named in the FIR
- Investigation agency
- Gujarat State Monitoring Cell
- Key dates
- Consumption reported on August 16; FIR registered on August 19
