'Potli' deaths: Chemical units under scanner

Another suspected case of methyl poisoning was admitted to VS Hospital for treatment, even as the Ahmedabad police launched a special drive against small industrial units manufacturing chemicals.

Shashikant Dhobi, a resident of Raikhad, was admitted to VS Hospital on Sunday, taking the number of people admitted to the hospital for treatment of methyl poisoning to 11. According to sources, Dhobi had also consumed methyl solvent, mistaking it for country liquor.

Five people have already died in the city in the last two days after consuming liquor mixed with methyl solvent.

Sources in the police department, meanwhile, said most of the chemical units which were under investigation are located in Vatva, Nikol and some other areas of eastern Ahmedabad.