The hooch tragedy, which has so far claimed more than 45 lives and left many in critical health, has shocked the entire state. The fact that spurious liquor was sold and it was consumed by people in several villages of Barwala taluka, when Gujarat is a dry state is an alarming matter. That said, things are still not settled as many patients who are being treated at different hospitals in the region are still battling for their lives. The people who were affected badly by the spurious liquor were rushed to Sir T General Hospital in Bhavnagar and Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.
As of last night, of the 17 patients at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, 8 are suffering from severe damage to kidneys and have been put up for emergency dialysis, sources have claimed. One of these patients is in a critical condition as well. Nevertheless, the medical staff has a different take on the matter. According to sources, the doctors at the hospital claim that the 8 patients are stable.
Meanwhile, many patients suffering from spurious liquors are continuously being brought in, and several have also died on the way to the hospital. There is also talk that the hospital is doing everything to stop media persons from interacting with the patients or their families. A separate ward has been prepared on the 3rd floor of the hospital, just for patients of hooch tragedy. This ward has been closed off to anyone other than kin and so the families of the patients are unable to talk to the media.
The people had consumed country-made liquor that was laced with chemicals. The government officials have said that about 600 litres of Methanol for industrial purpose was supplied to a bootlegger in Barwala, of which 450 litres has been seized by the police. Besides, a high-level committee has been formed to investigate the matter.
