The death toll in the toxic liquor tragedy in Maharashtra’s Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad cities has climbed to 18. What was initially described by police as “natural deaths” is now being treated as a major hooch tragedy after investigations confirmed the presence of poisonous methanol in the liquor consumed by the victims.
Police have registered cases under sections related to the sale and distribution of illicit liquor and have taken eight people into custody so far. Statements from the families of eight deceased victims have also been recorded.
Yogesh Wankhede Identified as Main Supplier
Police have named Yogesh Wankhede as the prime accused in the case. A case has been registered against him in Pune’s Dapodi police station area for allegedly supplying illegal and toxic liquor.
According to Atul Kande, Superintendent of Police of the State Excise Department, Wankhede had mixed methanol — a deadly chemical substance — into the liquor, which led to multiple deaths.
Illegal Liquor Supplied Across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad
Investigators revealed that the toxic liquor was being manufactured and distributed in Pune’s Hadapsar area and the Phugewadi locality of Pimpri-Chinchwad.
Police have intensified their investigation to track down other accused involved in the illegal liquor network. The Excise Department has already conducted raids at three different locations linked to the racket.
Another absconding accused, Karnal Singh Birkha, is currently being searched for by police. Authorities believe he was the owner and mastermind behind the illegal liquor operation.
Role of Other Accused Under Investigation
Police said another accused, Vikas Singh, was responsible for selling the toxic liquor across the region. The liquor was allegedly supplied to him by Yogesh Wankhede.
Officials stated that Wankhede was operating the illegal business from the house where he lived. Victims who died after consuming the liquor had reportedly visited Vikas Singh’s location before consuming the poisonous alcohol.
Police have sealed the premises and launched further legal action.
Seven Deaths Officially Confirmed as Hooch Tragedy
Police officer Sandeep Atole has now officially confirmed that at least seven deaths in the Pimpri area were caused by the consumption of toxic liquor.
Earlier, police had termed the deaths as natural. However, post-mortem reports later confirmed that the victims died due to poisonous liquor consumption.
Authorities said further details would emerge after additional autopsy reports are received. At present, three people are still undergoing treatment.
Chief Minister Orders Strict Action
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed officials to take strict action in connection with the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad hooch tragedy.
The Chief Minister instructed police chiefs of both cities to investigate the case thoroughly and identify all those involved in the illegal liquor trade. He also ordered that no guilty person should be spared.
Following the Chief Minister’s directive, police and excise officials launched raids on liquor mafia networks and illegal liquor manufacturing units across the region.