Booze cravings in dry Gujarat push tipplers to sanitisers; Dwarka kirana store 'hand in gloves'
In Gujarat's dry region, Devbhumi Dwarka police busted a racket where hand sanitizers were sold as alcohol substitutes. A Kirana shop marketed 'hand rub' for intoxication, confirmed by forensic analysis to contain dangerous levels of ethyl and isopropyl alcohol.
RAJKOT: In dry Gujarat's coastal region, hand sanitizers are being sold as intoxicating beverages.
The Devbhumi Dwarka police uncovered this operation where a Kirana shop marketed hand sanitizers as 'hand rub' to individuals seeking alcohol, with shopkeepers suggesting its consumption for intoxication.
Police investigations, supported by forensic analysis, confirmed that the liquid matched commercial hand sanitizers' composition and was dangerous for human consumption, potentially causing severe health complications.
Acting on specific intelligence, police conducted a raid at Chamunda provision store in Dwarka town on March 29, seizing 106 suspicious bottles labelled as 'Green Apple hand rub' and 'Orange hand rub' in transparent plastic containers.
Similar bottles were discovered in nearby provision stores.
The investigation revealed the liquid's manufacturing origin in Vasai, Maharashtra. Police raided H R herbal factory in Vasai, discovering manufacturing equipment but limited evidence beyond unauthorized exports to Gujarat.
The forensic report revealed alarming findings: 57 percent ethyl alcohol and 2.5 percent isopropyl alcohol content. Standard liquor contains approximately 40 percent ethyl alcohol, while isopropyl alcohol, typically used as a disinfectant and antiseptic, is toxic and not fit for human consumption.
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"We found some customers who were consuming this 'hand sanitizers. We discussed the content of this liquid with doctor and found that it was totally unfit for human consumption and if somebody continue consuming two three bottle a day for 15 days it can severely damage their liver," stated Nitesh Pandey, superintendent of police, Devbhumi Dwarka district.
"There is no rule that prohibit a Kirana store or Paan shop to sell hand sanitizer. The manufacturer gave them for sale as liquor to consumers and they were taught that if police approach they were supposed to declare selling hand sanitizer," he added.
Authorities arrested Kirana store owners Savdas Popaniya and Chirag Thobhani, along with driver Akram Najir. The fourth suspect, supplier Lagdhirsinh Jadeja, remains at large.
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