Daijiworld Media Network - Pune
Pune, May 29: A major tragedy unfolded in Maharashtra after at least 13 people lost their lives and several others were left in critical condition following the alleged consumption of spurious liquor in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
Police have registered a case at Dapodi Police Station under Crime No. 114/2026. The FIR includes charges under Sections 105 and 123 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to culpable homicide and causing harm through poisonous substances, along with provisions of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act.
Pimpri-Chinchwad Police commissioner Vinay Chaube confirmed that five accused have been arrested and are currently in police custody, while three additional suspects are being held by the State Excise Department.
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed serious concern over the incident and instructed authorities in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad to launch a strict crackdown against those involved in the illegal liquor trade. He has ordered a detailed investigation and directed officials to ensure that every person connected to the racket is brought to justice.
Initially, officials had confirmed seven deaths and reported that several victims were undergoing treatment. However, the death toll later rose to 13 as more victims succumbed to the suspected poisoning.
The investigation has now been transferred to the Crime Branch, which has begun examining the supply chain and distribution network behind the toxic liquor.
The incident has devastated multiple families across affected localities. Relatives of the victims described horrifying scenes shortly after the liquor was consumed.
A resident from Pune’s Pandhare Mala area said five people from the locality were affected, including three members of the same family — Arun, Rahul, and Yashwant.
“Within minutes of consuming the liquor, they began vomiting and complained of severe stomach pain. Their condition deteriorated rapidly,” the family member said.
The daughter of one of the deceased, Arun Vaman Dadar, said her father had a long history of alcohol consumption and regularly drank country-made liquor.
“He returned home after work and consumed alcohol again. He had experienced dizziness several times before, but we never thought the situation would turn fatal,” she said.
According to reports, police have also filed a separate case against Yogesh Wankhede, who is accused of distributing the toxic liquor in parts of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
State Excise Department Superintendent Atul Kanade stated that methanol, a highly toxic chemical, was allegedly mixed into the liquor, leading to multiple deaths.
Investigators believe Yogesh Wankhede played a key role in supplying the illicit liquor in the Hadapsar and Phugewadi regions. Police teams are now conducting extensive searches to identify and arrest others connected to the illegal network.