Hooch tragedy toll rises to 5

“Chota Tadvi (50) died of a cardiac arrest around 10:30 pm on Friday. He was in a critical condition since he was hospitalised 10 days ago,” Dr Rajiv Deveshwar,medical superintendent of SSG Hospital,said.

Chota was found ill by police in his village in Pavi Jetpur taluka on March 14 during a search operation after 22 persons,including a woman,allegedly consumed poisonous liquor and were taken ill the previous day.

“He was on ventilator support since he was admitted. However,the delay in reaching the hospital proved critical,” Dr Deveshawar added.

Father of a son,Chota had gone to see his sister in neighbouring Panej village where she has been married to. He bought liquor from Ram Tadvi,since arrested,and was taken ill. However,he managed to return to his Kothia village before being found by the police during the search operation,Ramesh Patel,Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP),Dabhoi, said. Patel is heading the probe in the case.

Ram Tadvi and his wife Kokila are the main accused in the case and are in judicial custody.