Maharashtra hooch tragedy: 7 dead in Pimpri Chinchwad, 8 detained
Seven people have died, and three others are undergoing treatment after allegedly consuming methanol-laced liquor in Pimpri Chinchwad
At least seven persons have died due to suspected consumption of spurious liquor in Maharashtra’s Pimpri Chinchwad, while a similar reason is suspected behind the deaths of three persons in Pune in the last 24 hours. Police on Friday (May 29) said that eight persons have been detained in relation to the incident in Pimpri Chinchwad, adding that the three affected persons in the Pune case are undergoing treatment at a hospital in Pune.
CM orders probe
Elaborating further, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told reporters that he has ordered a probe into the seven deaths due to suspected hooch consumption.
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According to police, eight persons, including a key bootlegger, have been detained in connection with the alleged supply of methanol-laced liquor to the Phugewadi area in Pimpri Chinchwad.
Eight detained
“Following multiple deaths in Phugewadi, we launched a probe. We found that seven persons have died so far due to suspected consumption of toxic liquor, and three others are undergoing treatment,” said Sandip Atole, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 1), Pimpri Chinchwad.
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He further stated that test reports, which will confirm the exact cause of the deaths, are awaited.
The official said eight persons were detained in a joint operation involving the State Excise Department and the local police.
Pune deaths under scanner
Meanwhile, the Pune police have launched an investigation focusing on the hooch angle after three persons died in 24 hours in the city’s Hadapsar area, an official said.
State Excise Commissioner Atul Kanade said the department has launched a probe following the deaths.
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“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, Kanade added.
Investigators said victims in the suspected hooch tragedy displayed similar symptoms, including dizziness, uneasiness, frothing at the mouth, breathing difficulties and a sudden drop in heart rate before collapsing. Police said alcohol traces were detected in at least one deceased person but cautioned against drawing conclusions until post-mortem and forensic reports are available, reported the Hindustan Times.
Supply chain under lens
Officials said the investigation has pointed to a wider illegal liquor manufacturing and distribution network operating in Pune district. The probe has focused on alleged bootlegger Yogesh Wankhede, who was arrested after raids at locations linked to the suspected supply chain. Several other suspects were also detained.
Police, excise officials and forensic experts are examining the source and composition of the seized liquor. “Based on the information available so far, it would be premature to link these deaths to any single cause,” police said.
Investigators suspect nearly 215 litres of methanol were mixed with country liquor supplied to Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Authorities are also examining possible lapses in monitoring methanol sales and distribution.
(With agency inputs)