11+ Dead in Pune Toxic Liquor Tragedy; Police probe Methanol Linked Network
Police have intensified investigations into an alleged toxic liquor racket in Maharashtra’s Pune district after more than 11 people died in the last 48 hours following the consumption of suspected methanol-laced alcohol.
According to officials, many deaths were reported from Pimpri Chinchwad’s Phugewadi and Dapodi areas, while few died in Pune’s Hadapsar and Kalepadal localities. Victims reportedly suffered severe dizziness, vomiting and abdominal pain shortly after consuming the liquor.
Post-mortem findings prompted police to register cases under sections related to culpable homicide and causing harm through poisonous substances under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Maharashtra Prohibition Act.
Police identified Yogesh Wankhede as a key accused in the case. Officials said he allegedly supplied the chemical-laced liquor across Pune city and Pimpri Chinchwad. Wankhede surrendered before authorities and is currently being questioned to trace the wider illegal liquor network.
State Excise Commissioner Atul Kanade said methanol is suspected to have been mixed into the liquor, leading to multiple deaths. So far, eight people have been arrested while several others are being questioned by police and excise department officials.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis termed the incident “extremely unfortunate” and directed police to conduct a thorough investigation and dismantle the entire illicit liquor network operating in the affected areas.
Authorities are continuing raids and forensic examinations to determine the exact source of the suspected spurious liquor and identify all those involved in the supply chain.
