Tragic! 4 Dead, 18 Hospitalized in Gujarat Spurious Liquor Incident

A tragic incident has gripped Bhavnagar, Gujarat, as at least four people have died and 18 others are currently hospitalized after consuming spurious liquor. The victims reportedly ingested duplicate versions of a popular Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) brand, leading to severe health complications in the "dry" state where alcohol manufacturing, sale, and consumption are prohibited.

The alarming situation first came to light on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, when authorities received reports around 6 p.m. that five friends from Kharkadi village in Ghogha taluka had fallen ill after a party involving illicit alcohol. Bhavnagar Collector Manish Kumar confirmed that the impact has since spread, affecting individuals from other villages and parts of Bhavnagar city, with a total of 22 people impacted by the incident.

Among the deceased, three individuals have been positively identified as Kartik Makwana (40), Upendra Gohil (25), and Ghanshyam Jadeja (50). The fourth reported death, Narendra Yadav, is still under investigation to definitively confirm if spurious liquor was the cause. The condition of those hospitalized remains critical for some; medical reports indicate two are in critical condition, four are in the ICU, and two are on ventilators, while ten others are stable. One person from Surat is undergoing treatment, and another from Jamnagar is asymptomatic but affected.

In response to the crisis, local authorities have launched a swift investigation, leading to the detention of four bootleggers. Superintendent of Police Nitesh P. confirmed that these individuals, involved in the illegal trade, were apprehended from Vartej and other police station areas. The Collector has issued an urgent public appeal, urging anyone in the affected areas who consumed IMFL of a particular brand within the last four days to immediately seek medical examination at the nearest hospital or Sir T Hospital in Bhavnagar, regardless of whether they are exhibiting symptoms.

To provide comprehensive care, medical teams from Bhavnagar's Sir T Hospital and Ahmedabad's kidney hospital IKDRC (Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre) are being dispatched to oversee free treatment camps set up at private hospitals. This coordinated effort aims to mitigate further casualties and ensure that all affected individuals receive timely and appropriate medical attention in the wake of this devastating event.

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