Daijiworld Media Network - Kolhapur
Kolhapur, May 30: Amid growing concern over deaths linked to spurious liquor consumption in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, police in Maharashtra's Kolhapur district have intensified action against illegal liquor manufacturing units.
In a joint operation, the Gokul Shirgaon Police and the Local Crime Branch raided two illicit liquor production units operating in Kaneriwadi village of Karvir taluka.
During the crackdown, officials seized and destroyed illicit liquor, raw chemicals and equipment used for manufacturing the liquor. The total value of the material destroyed was estimated at Rs 1.55 lakh.
Meanwhile, the death toll in the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad spurious liquor tragedy has risen to 15, according to official figures.
Of the total fatalities, 10 were reported from the Pimpri-Chinchwad area, while five deaths occurred in Pune city's Hadapsar and Kalepadal localities. Several others affected by the toxic liquor remain hospitalised, with some reported to be in critical condition.
The investigation has been transferred to the Crime Investigation Department. Police and the State Excise Department have already arrested multiple accused in connection with the case.
Preliminary investigations suggest that methanol was mixed with the liquor, resulting in the fatalities. Authorities are now probing a wider illegal liquor network operating across Pune city, Pune rural areas and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
In a significant administrative action following the tragedy, Vinay Kumar Choubey ordered the suspension of Dapodi Police Station Inspector Vijay Waghmare over alleged negligence and serious lapses in duty.
Four other police personnel, including the officer heading the investigation team, have also been suspended. In addition, Crime Branch Inspector Narendra Thakre has been transferred to the police control room.
Commissioner Choubey said the disciplinary action was taken due to lapses in the discharge of official duties. The investigation into the spurious liquor deaths is continuing.