New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday questioned the Gujarat government over the hooch tragedy and said it is a matter of great concern that a such a thing happen in the land of Bapu and Sardar Patel. He also accused the BJP-ruled state for giving protection to those who are behind this incident.
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“In the dry state of Gujarat, several families have been devastated due to toxic liquor. Regularly, drugs worth billions are being seized in the state. This is a matter of great concern. In the land of Bapu and Sardar Patel, who are these people indulging in such illegal trade? Who are those in power, shielding these mafia members?” the Congress leader tweeted, invoking the freedom fighters.
‘ड्राई स्टेट' गुजरात में ज़हरीली शराब पीने से कई घर उजड़ गए। वहां लगातार अरबों की ड्रग्स भी बरामद हो रही है।
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 29, 2022
ये बेहद चिंता की बात है, बापू और सरदार पटेल की धरती पर, ये कौन लोग हैं जो धड़ल्ले से नशे का कारोबार कर रहे हैं? इन माफिया को कौन सी सत्ताधारी ताक़तें संरक्षण दे रही हैं?
The death toll due to the consumption of spurious liquor in Gujarat has reached 42, and nearly 95 people are still battling for life in hospitals in Bhavnagar, Botad and Ahmedabad, police said.
The Botad and Ahmedabad police on Tuesday registered three FIRs against nearly 20 culprits under Indian Penal Code Sections 302 (murder), 328 (causing hurt by poison) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and have arrested at least 15 of them so far.
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The hooch tragedy had come to light early Monday morning when some people living in Rojid village of Botad and other surrounding villages were referred to government hospitals in Barvala area and Botad towns with deteriorating health conditions.
The manufacture and sale of liquor is banned in Gujarat, which is a “dry state”. As per the Gujarat Prohibition Act, police can arrest a person for purchasing, consuming, or serving alcohol without a permit with punishment from three months to five years in prison.
