14 dead, many critical after consuming toxic liquor in Pune; CM orders probe

At least 14 people have died in and around Pune after allegedly consuming suspected spurious liquor over the last two days. Three others remain hospitalised in critical condition, police said.

The deaths were reported from the Phugewadi area of Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune’s Hadapsar region, where the victims allegedly consumed spurious or contaminated liquor. Authorities suspect the liquor may have been laced with toxic substances, though the exact cause of death will be confirmed only after forensic and toxicology reports are received.

In Pimpri-Chinchwad’s Phugewadi locality alone, nine people have died, while five fatalities were reported from Hadapsar, including residents of Sasane Nagar and Kalepadal.

The tragedy has been particularly devastating for one family in Phugewadi, where two brothers reportedly lost their lives after consuming the suspected toxic liquor.

Among those who died in Hadapsar are Rahul Sharad Kshirsagar (45), Vijay Bhukurlal Sharma (45), Arun Dadar and Ashok Ramesh Chavan. The deceased from Phugewadi have been identified as Rajesh Rajput, Pandurang Phuge, Anand Desai, Akbar Pathan and Anand Nikalje, among others.

Following the deaths, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed the police commissioners of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad to carry out a detailed investigation and identify those responsible for the tragedy.

Calling the incident "extremely unfortunate", CM Fadnavis said eight people have been arrested so far and more arrests are likely as the investigation progresses. He added that authorities have identified the entire network linked to the case and are working to determine how far it extends.

"The police are making every effort and are also tracing the extent of the network. We are determined to reach its roots and dismantle it completely," he said.

On reports of methanol being involved, he said the substance appears to be similar in nature but declined to comment further at this stage. He added that the police would soon issue a detailed statement on the matter.

Police and excise department officials have launched a comprehensive probe into the source of the suspected spurious liquor. Investigators are examining whether an organised illegal manufacturing and distribution network was operating in the affected areas.

In connection with the case, police have detained Yogesh Wankhede and are questioning several other individuals. Authorities are also tracking the supply chain of the liquor consumed by the victims.

Speaking to PTI, State Excise Commissioner Atul Kanade said, “We detained one Yogesh Wankhede, who had supplied liquor to both Phugewadi and Hadapsar. He has been handed over to the Pimpri-Chinchwad police, and they are taking further action.

Meanwhile, efforts are underway to determine whether methanol contamination was involved. Officials said further action will be taken based on forensic findings, while raids and searches are continuing to identify others linked to the suspected toxic liquor network.