Hooch toll still rising, govt tells CID to probe

And with the death toll in the Vikhroli tragedy now at 71 — which is likely to rise— residents of Tagore Nagar at the epicentre of the tragedy have decided they will not let any more hooch joints function in the area. According to local residents, there are over 50 illicit liquor joints in the slums of Tagore Nagar, Indira Nagar, Hariyali Nagar and Kannamwar Nagar in Vikhroli (East) put together.

Tagore Nagar alone reportedly has around 20, with at least five in a kilometre-long stretch. These joints — now abandoned by owners — are tucked away in tiny homes in the bylanes. They look like any single-room home in a chawl with photos of gods and goddesses adorning their doors. ‘‘It is difficult to identify them,’’ a local resident says. Inside, the space between the entrance and the room is occupied by huge plastic drums and wobbly, wooden benches.

Arjun Jakhwadia, a 36-year-old hawker lying in Rajawadi Hospital, says, ‘‘You’ll get a bottle even at midnight’’.

He reveals that ‘‘Babu’s adda’’ — the joint run by accused Babu and Asha Kamble — was popular because his stuff was stronger and he sold a bottle for Rs 16 when it costs Rs 20 elsewhere.

The liquor comes from Diva and Mumbra in Thane district. The supply usually arrives by trains in pre-dawn hours in large, black rubber bags called potlis. The liquor is then supplied to hooch joints and Chinese food vendors. Women play a crucial role in ferrying the liquor.

Residents now want to campaign against liquor. ‘‘We will go door-to-door and tell people to stop drinking,’’ a resident said.

Under attack from the Opposition, Deputy Chief Minister R.R. Patil announced that the matter will be handed over to the CID for a thorough probe, once the initial investigation by an officer of the rank of Additional CP is complete.