Affidavit comes three months after HC initiated suo motu proceedings.
The state police has furnished details about the steps taken by the department to nab bootleggers and seize liquor following the hooch tragedy. The hooch tragedy in Ahmedabad killed some 60 people. The affidavit also gives details about steps taken by the police even before the tragedy struck.
The police in the affidavit submitted in the high court has further said that such tragedies have also been reported from other states.
VV Rabari, additional director-general of state CID crime, filed an affidavit before the Gujarat high court on Tuesday. The high court had begun a suo motu proceeding following the hooch tragedy in the city. The CID filed the affidavit three months after the court began the suo motu proceedings.
Ami Yagnik, counsel appearing on behalf of an NGO registered strong objections about the delay on the part of the state. “In spite of various efforts by the state government such tragedies have taken place not only in Gujarat but across India. In fact in 2007, 1251 people lost their lives across the country in such incidents,” the affidavit said.
Intending to take further action against the erring police officers, the affidavit said, “Police officers of Ahmedabad city, Kheda and Anand have been suspended for dereliction of duty. Twenty nine police officers have been transferred from Ahmedabad city and further action against more officers is contemplated.” The CID also tried to highlight the efforts it has made to prevent such tragedies.
“A total 10,009 raids have been carried out and illicit liquor worth of Rs95.90 lakh has been seized. Some 72 people have been detained under the Pasa (Prevention of anti social activities act),” the affidavit said.
The affidavit further said that 48 people including 2 policemen were arrested in the case. The state government is contemplating appointment of special public prosecutors and establishing fast-track courts, the affidavit said. Giving details about steps taken in the past, the affidavit said that from 2005 till June 30, 2009, 6,74,473 prohibition cases were registered and a total of 6,99,314 people were arrested.
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