Gujarat hooch tragedy: Rojid village panchayat had sounded warning in March

Botad (Gujarat), July 25 (IANS) After six people died in Gujarat on Monday due to consuming illicit liquor, a letter written by a sarpanch of Rojid village in Botad district to the police has surfaced, warning of an imminent hooch tragedy.At least six persons died in Ahmedabad and Botad districts on Monday after drinking illicit liquor, officials said. In both districts, at least 14 to 20 persons fell ill after consuming the illicit liquor.The letter was written in March by Rojid village sarpanch J.D. Dungrani. Addressed to the police, the letter stated, "Country-liquor is sold on a large-scale in the village, anti-social elements are harassing women and even abusing them. If the illegal activity is not stopped and police patrolling is not increased, there is a possibility of a major tragedy in the village."Dungrani said even the Gram Sabha had passed a resolution against the selling and drinking of liquor in the village, but it had little effect.Dungrani on Monday told the local media that not only the police, even the prant officer's attention was drawn, but no action was taken by the authority against the bootleggers.Meanwhile, the Congress has demanded an inquiry into the hooch tragedy by a sitting judge.Criticising the poor implementation of the prohibition policy in the state, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Shaktisinh Gohil said, "The ruling party is protecting such elements for political funds. Now that people have lost their loved ones, the government should appoint a committee headed by a sitting judge to inquire the hooch tragedy."
--IANS haresh/dpb

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