Hooch deaths: Local BJP leader among seven held

Ramesh Raiji Khant, a 33-year old farmer, was brought to Ahmedabad Civil hospital on November 30 from Godhra Civil Hospital where he was referred from Santrampur hospital in the Mahisagar district with complaint of sudden vision loss after consuming the liquor. His brother in-law, who is attending to him, said somebody left the liquor at home when they were away at their farm. “They gave the liquor to someone in the village and left. When we came home, Rameshbhai drank two quarter doses and in a short while complained that he could not see anything,” his brother-in-law said.

Ramesh said, “The candidates in our village were Narsinh Dhirabhai and Ranjitbhai Baria. However, I don’t about their party. I hear that at least one person died in the village after consuming the liquor.” He has been referred to ophthalmic surgeon at Civil Hospital who will decide the quantum of vision loss next week.

Another victim is Jayanti Patelia, 34, who had consumed two quarters on November 28 after he found it delivered at his doorstep when he was away in the field. Patelia is a resident of Mota Dhorda village in Kadana taluka. His wife, Manjulaben, is by his side at the hospital. “I am regaining vision slowly and gradually, but am not sure when they will discharge me,” he said. Jagtabhai Jalambhai Khant, 40, had two quarters on December 1 and was subsequently brought to the hospital. “His vision blurred immediately and for some time he could not see things around,” said his brother.
Hospital superintendent Dr M M Prabhakar said their progress was good, but still it could not be said when would they be discharged. About Ramesh Khant, who is facing the spectre of blindness, he said his test reports were awaited.

Bharat Chauhan of Bugad village (Santrampur), Rama Vechad Khant of Malabel village and Arjan Natha Padharia of Shial village in Kadana taluka died between November 29-December 1 after allegedly drinking spurious liquor reportedly distributed to win votes ahead of the taluka panchayat elections on November 29.

Rada said that preliminary investigations have indicated higher content of methanol in the brew, allegedly sourced from an island called Thoth in Dungarpur district of Rajasthan.

Police inspector of Kadana taluka police station J B Rana, said, “We have arrested Haresh, the BJP candidate, and three of his party workers. They have been booked on a complaint by Ramesh Raiji, one of the victims who lost his eyesight after consuming hooch.” He added that the police were awaiting the results of the forensic laboratories. Samples of the hooch have been sent to Vadodara and Ahmedabad FSLs.