Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, expressed grave concern over the deaths of 13 individuals due to consuming illegal toxic liquor in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. He directed the Police Commissioners of both cities to take stringent action against those involved in manufacturing or distributing the illicit alcohol without any leniency. Fadnavis emphasized that the case is being treated as murder, not negligence, and the accused will face severe legal consequences.
Fadnavis confirmed direct communication with the Police Commissioners of Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, where the police have identified the manufacturing site of the toxic substance mixed in the illegal liquor. Eight suspects have been arrested, and a large-scale search operation is ongoing to apprehend others in the illegal network. Top medical care is being provided to those hospitalized in critical condition to prevent further casualties.
Following the Chief Minister’s intervention, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar took immediate action, overseeing operations in affected areas like Hadapsar. Multi-agency teams comprising police, State Excise, and forensic experts are conducting joint raids to dismantle the illicit network as per Fadnavis’ instructions. The death toll stands at 13 confirmed and 18 suspected fatalities within the last 48 hours across two municipal zones, according to police sources.
Forensic investigators suspect that around 215 liters of industrial methanol were mixed into the country liquor before distribution. The focus of the investigation is on Yogesh Wankhede, a bootlegger with a criminal record, who is believed to have supplied the lethal batches to the affected areas. While families and locals attribute the deaths to cheap liquor, the police are reviewing medical reports to build a strong legal case against the suppliers.
