Mumbai Hooch tragedy: Congress demands Excise Minister Khadse's resignation

MUMBAI: The opposition Congress today demanded the resignation of Maharashtra Excise Minister Eknath Khadse over the hooch tragedy in Malwani here that has claimed nearly 100 lives so far.

Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Vikhe-Patil said that Khadse should own moral responsibility and quit the ministry.

Vikhe-Patil, who met the family members of the victims said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is yet to pay a visit to the grieving families and this shows the "apathy" of the state government over loss of nearly 100 lives in the liquor tragedy.

"The loss of lives is due to the negligence of the Shatabdi Hospital run by the municipal corporation," the Congress leader charged.

"Just action against officials and police is not enough," he added.

He also demanded that the hospital authorities and health officer of the ward be booked for homicide.

So far, the toll in the Mumbai hooch tragedy stands at 97.