Gujarat Liquor Tragedy: NHRC Seeks Accountability for 9 Deaths, 39 Critical Cases

(By Syed Ali Taher Abedi)

New Delhi, August 25, 2026: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken Suo motu cognizance of media reports concerning the deaths of at least nine persons, while 39 others are reportedly battling for their lives in critical condition, after allegedly consuming spurious Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) in Bhavnagar district of Gujarat.

Taking a serious view of the reported tragedy, the Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Gujarat, calling for a detailed report within two weeks.

The NHRC has observed that, if the contents of the media reports are found to be true, the incident raises serious issues concerning the right to life, human dignity and the State’s obligation to protect citizens from preventable harm.

Alleged Methanol-Laced Liquor Sold in Counterfeit Bottles

According to the reports before the Commission, the illicit liquor was allegedly spiked with a dangerously high concentration of methanol and was being marketed in counterfeit bottles carrying the labels of a popular liquor brand.

The alleged illegal liquor operation reportedly came to light during the investigation into an accidental death case involving a police recruit, which subsequently led investigators to a larger manufacturing and distribution network.

The police are stated to have uncovered a substantial manufacturing setup and seized a range of materials allegedly connected with the illicit trade, including chemicals, colouring agents, ready-filled counterfeit liquor bottles, fake branded stickers and sticker rolls, bottle caps and cardboard packaging material.

NHRC Seeks Comprehensive Report on Investigation and Accountability

The Commission has directed the State authorities to furnish an updated account of the death toll and the medical condition of those hospitalised, besides placing on record the progress of the investigation.

Particular emphasis has been placed on tracing the entire supply chain of methanol and other raw materials, apparently with a view to determining the source, manufacture, transportation and distribution of the allegedly poisonous liquor.

The NHRC has also sought details of the departmental action initiated against suspended police personnel and any other officials found responsible for negligence or dereliction of duty.

The State has further been asked to provide details regarding relief, compensation and medical assistance extended to the families of those who lost their lives and to the survivors undergoing treatment.

Focus on Preventive Measures

Going beyond the immediate circumstances of the tragedy, the Commission has sought information on the long-term measures being undertaken to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

The report is expected to spell out steps being taken to strengthen enforcement of Gujarat’s prohibition law, plug regulatory and policing gaps, dismantle illicit liquor networks and ensure effective monitoring of hazardous substances such as methanol.

The NHRC’s intervention places the reported tragedy squarely within the framework of constitutional and human-rights accountability, underscoring that the protection of the right to life cannot be confined merely to post-tragedy investigation but must also encompass effective preventive measures against foreseeable threats to human life.

The State authorities have been given two weeks to submit the comprehensive report to the Commission.