By IANS, [RxPG] Ahmedabad, July 7 - Police fired tear gas to disperse rampaging mobs as seven people died and 18 were taken seriously ill after drinking suspected illicit liquor here Tuesday, authorities said.
The deaths in Sagrapitha locality sparked mob protests and crowds pelted stones and damaged vehicles demanding the arrest of those running a den producing moonshine in the area. The police were called to control the situation.
Police officials denied there were any bootleggers in the colony. They said only an investigation would ascertain where the illicit liquor was sold.
Sale and consumption of liquor is illegal in Gujarat.
The opposition Congress raised the issue in the assembly and said the law and order situation had weakened.
Replying to state Congress president Siddharth Patel, Minister of State for Home Amit Shah said in the house that he will make a statement on the issue Wednesday.
Leader of Opposition Shaktisinh Gohil visited the homes of the victims and spoke to the grieving families.
The Bharatiya Janata Party - government had not been able to check rising cases of bootlegging and criminal activities in Ahmedabad, Gohil told reporters later.
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