Let's end this evil: Modi

Chief minister Narendra Modi, who has not visited the families of hooch tragedy victims even after five days of the incident, on Thursday evening issued a press release to express his condolences to the families of the victims.

Majority of the victims are from areas which are part of Modi's own assembly constituency.

The CM had so far maintained a studied silence in the matter. He had not uttered a single word on the incident in the ongoing assembly session despite serious allegations levelled by the opposition Congress.

In the press statement, Modi requested people to give suggestions to Mehta Commission on how to get rid out of this public nuisance. The panel has been formed to inquire into the incident.

He said, "The tragedy which has occurred in Ahmedabad, has shocked Gujarat and I personally feel great pain over this. I express my condolences to the families of the victims. I assure the people of Gujarat that my government is firm on going into the roots of this deep-rooted malaise and give deterrent punishment to the guilty. I request leaders of society and citizens to freely give suggestions to the commission. Some politically motivated elements are trying to disturb peace. I request citizens to create a reformist environment to eradicate this age-old evil.''