Death toll from Gujarat illegally distilled liquor tragedy reaches 13

The death toll from a hooch tragedy in Gujarat has risen to 13 as two additional victims died while undergoing medical treatment, officials said. The fatalities underscore the dangers of illegally distilled liquor, which contained methanol—a highly toxic substance that causes fatal poisoning even in small quantities.

Authorities reported that 67 individuals had consumed the contaminated alcohol. The cases have triggered a widening investigation, with police naming 21 accused persons in the formal complaint filed at the local police station. Of these, 13 have been arrested so far, while efforts continue to apprehend the remaining suspects.

Methanol poisoning can cause blindness, organ failure, and death within hours of consumption. Victims of the tragedy were admitted to hospitals across the region where medical teams worked to stabilize their conditions. The incident highlights the persistent problem of illicit liquor production in parts of India, where unsafe distillation methods and the use of dangerous additives have repeatedly claimed lives.

The authorities have launched a comprehensive probe to trace the source of the contaminated alcohol and identify all those involved in its production and distribution. Gujarat has witnessed similar tragic incidents in the past, prompting repeated warnings from health officials against consuming alcohol from unverified sources.