At least 17 people have died and several others have been hospitalised after allegedly consuming suspected spurious liquor in parts of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, prompting a major crackdown on an illegal liquor network and raising fresh questions over enforcement failures in the region.
The deaths were reported from the Hadapsar, Dapodi and Fugewadi areas, where victims are suspected to have consumed contaminated country liquor allegedly prepared using toxic spirit supplied through an illicit distribution chain.
Following the incident, the State Excise Department launched an extensive operation and arrested Yogesh Wankhede, the prime suspect in the case. Officials said Wankhede allegedly supplied the contaminated spirit across several localities in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, while preliminary findings indicated that many of the victims may have consumed liquor originating from the same batch.
As pressure mounted, Wankhede reportedly surrendered before authorities and is currently being interrogated to determine the scale of the racket and identify others who may have been involved in the illegal trade.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident, which has intensified concerns over lapses in monitoring and the functioning of the local police and administrative machinery.
The deaths triggered panic and anger in the affected neighbourhoods, with residents alleging that the sale of illicit liquor had continued openly in the area despite repeated complaints to authorities over the years.
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NCP leader and former mayor Yogesh Behl demanded a thorough and impartial probe, saying strict action must be taken against those operating the illegal liquor network and stronger preventive measures introduced to avert similar tragedies.
Meanwhile, officials of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police cautioned that not all reported deaths may have been directly linked to liquor consumption. Police officials said five of the deaths appeared to be caused by unrelated medical conditions, although final confirmation was awaited.
However, reports that several victims suffered severe dizziness and sudden health complications before their deaths have deepened suspicion surrounding the alleged consumption of poisonous liquor.
Authorities are awaiting toxicology and post-mortem reports to establish whether contaminated liquor was the direct cause of death.
The incident has also sparked political criticism, with NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar accusing the police administration of failing to curb illegal activities and questioning how such a large-scale incident could occur despite prohibitory orders being in force.
Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said four individuals were under suspicion in connection with the case.
“One person has been arrested and another is being questioned. Further investigation is underway,” Kumar said.
Investigators are continuing efforts to trace the supply chain of the suspected spurious liquor and identify others linked to the racket.
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