At least 14 people have died after allegedly consuming spurious liquor in Pune and neighbouring Pimpri-Chinchwad, prompting a major crackdown by authorities and the transfer of the investigation to the Crime Investigation Department (CID). Eight people, including a key bootlegger accused of supplying the toxic alcohol, have been arrested in connection with the case.
According to police, the deaths were reported from the Phugewadi area of Pimpri-Chinchwad and the Hadapsar region of Pune. Ten victims died in Phugewadi, while four others lost their lives in Hadapsar after allegedly consuming the contaminated liquor. Several more people were hospitalized, with some reported to be in critical condition.
Investigators said the liquor was allegedly mixed with methanol, a highly toxic chemical that can cause severe poisoning, organ failure, blindness, and death. Police identified 23-year-old Yogesh Wankhede as one of the main accused, alleging that he mixed methanol with country-made liquor before it was distributed through illegal networks. Reports said the methanol had been ordered online.
The arrested accused include alleged suppliers and distributors linked to the illegal liquor trade. Police said the suspects have been charged under several provisions, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Authorities are also searching for additional people believed to be involved in the supply chain.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the incident as “very serious” and said the government had identified the broader network responsible for the supply of spurious liquor. Following the deaths, the state government ordered a CID investigation to examine the entire operation and determine how the toxic alcohol reached consumers.
The tragedy has also led to disciplinary action against officials. Twenty-two police and excise department personnel were suspended for allegedly failing to prevent the illegal production and sale of the liquor. The suspended officials include officers from Pune Police, Pimpri-Chinchwad Police, and the state excise department.
Doctors treating the victims said many showed symptoms consistent with severe methanol poisoning, including breathing difficulties, dizziness, vomiting, loss of vision, and unconsciousness. Most of the victims were reportedly daily wage workers from economically weaker backgrounds.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns over the illegal liquor trade in Maharashtra. Authorities have promised strict action against those responsible and said efforts are underway to dismantle the network involved in the manufacture and distribution of the deadly liquor.
