At least 15 persons have lost their lives in suspected hooch tragedy in Surat over last one week. Describing the incident as ‘unnatural death’, the state government in a release issued yesterday said, at least 15 persons have died in Surat during last one week.
In-charge district collector K Rajesh said the exact cause of the deaths is yet to be ascertained, though methanol poisoning is not ruled out. The Forensic Science Laboratory at Gandhinagar was examining the viscera and other samples of the deceased. Meanwhile, a three-member committee, formed yesterday by the government to probe the issue, interacted with officials.
The panel, headed by ADGP (police reforms) VM Pargi, also met some of the victims at Surat civil hospital. Pargi told media that the committee will submit its report to government within three days. State Tribal Development Minister Ganpat Vasava visited Haripura village to take stock of the situation.