In response to the recent Gujarat hooch catastrophe, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi today raised alarm over the state's illicit liquor and narcotics trade, and wondered whose ruling forces are protecting the "mafias" involved, news agency PTI reported.


According to Gujarat Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi, 42 individuals from Gujarat's Botad and neighbouring Ahmedabad districts have perished so far after swallowing the deadly liquor on July 25, while 97 people are currently being treated in hospitals in Bhavnagar, Botad, and Ahmedabad.


ALSO READ | 'Hired Help Commenting': TMC MP Mahua Moitra Says After BJP's 'Tandoori Chicken' Remark


Taking to Twitter, Rahul Gandhi said, "In 'dry state' Gujarat, many houses were destroyed due to the consumption of illicit liquor. Drugs worth billions are also being recovered from there continuously."






ALSO READ | WATCH: Giant LED Screen Falls On Stage During Cantopop Boyband Mirror's Concert In Hong Kong. 2 Dancers Injured


"It is a matter of great concern, on the land of Bapu (Mahatma Gandhi) and Sardar (Vallabhbhai) Patel, who are these people who are indiscriminately doing the business of intoxication?" the former Congress chief questioned.


He inquired as to which ruling forces provide protection to these "mafias," PTI reported. 


ALSO READ | IndiGo's Kolkata-Bound Flight Cancelled After Plane Skids Off Runway, No Passenger Injured


In the case, fifteen main suspects have already been detained, including the person who obtained the chemical and those who sold the booze to the public, PTI reported.


(With Inputs From PTI)