9 dead after consuming suspected hooch in Guj; probe ordered

Surat, Sep 9 (PTI) At least nine persons have died inthe last three days after allegedly consuming hooch at Valerivillage here following which both the district administrationand police have launched a probe. Following the deaths, Surat Collector Mahendra Patel hasasked the District Development Officer (DDO) and his staff,including a team of health officials, to visit the village. "At least nine persons of Valeri have died during lastthree days. It is still a suspected case of hooch consumption,as the primary medical reports only suggested that they dieddue to some kind of poisonous substance, like methyl(alcohol)," the Collector said. "To find out the exact cause, we have sent viscerasamples of the deceased for forensic examination. Meanwhile,our DDO, Mamlatdar and a team of health officials have beenrushed to Vareli to take precautionary steps," Patel added. Surat SP Mayursinh Chavda along with his team has alsoreached the spot today and started the probe. Chavda said a massive search operation of the area hasbeen launched to find out illegal hooch selling dens. The SP said the picture will be clear by tomorrow. "We have lodged a case of accidental death. The probe isbeing done by a police inspector. We are also in touch withdoctors. Our teams are searching the village and nearby areasto find out whether any hooch dealers were active here in thepast or not" added Chavda. PTI COR PJT PD NRBDV