9 dead after consuming suspected hooch in Guj; probe ordered

At least nine persons have died in the last three days after allegedly consuming hooch at Valeri village here following which both the district administration and police have launched a probe.
Following the deaths, Surat Collector Mahendra Patel has asked 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 last three days. It is still a suspected case of hooch consumption, as the primary medical reports only suggested that they died due to some kind of poisonous substance, like methyl (alcohol)," the Collector said.

"To find out the exact cause, we have sent viscera samples of the deceased for forensic examination. Meanwhile, our DDO, Mamlatdar and a team of health officials have been rushed to Vareli to take precautionary steps," Patel added.
Surat SP Mayursinh Chavda along with his team has also reached the spot today and started the probe.
Chavda said a massive search operation of the area has been 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 is being done by a police inspector. We are also in touch with doctors. Our teams are searching the village and nearby areas to find out whether any hooch dealers were active here in the past or not" added Chavda.