At least 13 people have died after allegedly consuming suspected toxic liquor in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad over the past 24 hours, prompting a major crackdown by police and excise authorities. Expressing serious concern over the deaths, Maharashtra chief minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis directed the police commissioners of the two cities to take the strictest possible action and show no leniency towards those involved in manufacturing or distributing the hooch.
Seven deaths were reported from the Phugewadi area of Pimpri Chinchwad, while officials are investigating a similar angle in the deaths in Pune city.
Authorities suspect the victims consumed methanol-laced country liquor distributed through an illegal supply network operating in the region.
Eight persons have been detained in connection with the Pimpri Chinchwad deaths, while three other men suspected to have consumed the poisonous liquor are undergoing treatment at a hospital, according to media reports.
According to the state excise department, a bootlegger accused of supplying country liquor in the affected areas has been detained and a case has been registered against him at Dapodi police station.
CM Fadnavis has ordered a detailed inquiry into the deaths and directed officials to take the strictest possible action against those involved in the manufacture and distribution of the illicit liquor.
Addressing reporters, Mr Fadnavis said the case was not being treated as a routine accident or negligence but as an act equivalent to murder.
‘I have spoken to the police commissioners of Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. They have identified the exact location where this substance was manufactured. Eight people have been arrested so far and more arrests are likely. Strict action will be taken against the guilty. This is effectively a murder and very severe Sections are being applied. No leniency will be shown,’ the chief minister said.
CM Fadnavis said police teams had traced the location where a methanol-like chemical substance was allegedly mixed into the liquor before distribution.
Following the deaths, police, excise officials and forensic experts launched joint raids at multiple locations to dismantle the illegal liquor supply network.
Pune police commissioner (CP) Amitesh Kumar personally visited affected areas, including Hadapsar, to oversee the investigation and enforcement action.
Investigators suspect nearly 215 litres of industrial methanol may have been mixed with country liquor before being supplied to local liquor dens.
According to media reports, the investigation is focused on alleged bootlegger Yogesh Wankhede, who is suspected of supplying the toxic liquor in both Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. Police said he has a prior criminal record.
Authorities are also conducting forensic analysis and reviewing medical reports to establish the exact cause of death and strengthen the legal case against those involved in the racket.
The number of fatalities linked to the suspected hooch tragedy could rise as more cases are being examined across the Pune region.
The administration said top-priority medical treatment is being provided to those admitted to hospitals in critical condition.
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