Tragic Deaths in Bhilwara: Family Mistakes Fuel Chemical for Liquor
In a heartbreaking incident in Rajasthan's Bhilwara district, four members of a family, including three women, lost their lives on Friday morning after allegedly consuming a toxic fuel chemical, mistaking it for liquor. The tragedy occurred in Aloli village under the Gangapur police station area, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Details of the Incident
The victims had been working as contract dishwashers at a wedding ceremony for the past three days. Officials reported that late Thursday night, they brought the chemical from the wedding venue to their home and drank it. Shortly after consumption, their condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to their deaths. The deceased have been identified as Ratan Kanjar (49), Sushila Devi (48), Jamni Devi (62), and Badami Devi Kanjar (60), all residents of Aloli village.
Official Response and Investigation
Bhilwara district collector Jasmeet Singh Sandhu and Superintendent of Police Dharmendra Singh Yadav visited the village along with teams from the excise and medical departments. The collector directed comprehensive health check-ups for residents in every house in the village to prevent further incidents. Police confirmed that the chemical substance involved was methanol organic salt, a highly toxic compound often used for heating food but dangerous if ingested.
A case has been registered against shop owner Anuj, 38, for allegedly operating without a valid licence to sell chemicals. During the investigation, a team led by the drug controller officer seized 20 bottles of methanol from the shop. The shopkeeper is currently being questioned as part of the ongoing probe. Additionally, a forensic science laboratory team reached the spot to collect evidence, and post-mortems were conducted by a medical board. The bodies have been handed over to family members for last rites.
Financial Assistance and Preliminary Findings
Collector Sandhu announced plans for financial assistance, noting that since the victims were not registered under the Chief Minister Ayushman Arogya Yojana, proposals are being prepared to provide Rs 1 lakh to each family from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. He emphasized that preliminary investigations indicate the deaths were indeed caused by the consumption of the toxic chemical, mistaken for alcohol. This tragic event highlights the dangers of chemical misuse and the need for stricter regulations on the sale of hazardous substances.
