Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, May 29: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday took a tough stand over the deaths caused by toxic liquor in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, declaring that the incident would be treated as “murder” and not merely a case of negligence.
At least 13 people have died after allegedly consuming illicit liquor laced with toxic chemicals, while several others remain in critical condition.
Addressing reporters, Chief Minister Fadnavis said he had instructed the Police Commissioners of Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad to take the strictest possible action against everyone connected to the illegal liquor trade, including manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors.
He made it clear that no leniency would be shown to the accused and directed officials to conduct a comprehensive investigation to ensure the entire network is dismantled.
“This is not an ordinary accident. We are treating this as murder, and the harshest legal provisions are being invoked against those responsible,” the Chief Minister said.
Fadnavis revealed that police teams have already traced the location where a methanol-like chemical substance was allegedly mixed with country-made liquor before being distributed across affected areas.
He confirmed that eight suspects have been arrested so far, while police teams are continuing large-scale search operations to identify and apprehend other members of the illegal supply chain.
“I have spoken directly with the Police Commissioners of Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. The exact manufacturing site has been identified. Eight people have been arrested and more arrests are expected soon. Strict action will follow against every guilty individual,” he stated.
The Chief Minister also assured that all critically injured victims are receiving priority medical treatment to prevent further casualties.
Following the Chief Minister’s intervention, law enforcement agencies intensified operations across Pune district. Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar personally visited affected areas, including Hadapsar, to monitor the ongoing crackdown against illegal liquor dens.
Multi-agency teams comprising police personnel, State Excise officials, and forensic experts have launched coordinated raids to expose the wider network involved in manufacturing and distributing the toxic liquor.
According to police sources, the number of deaths linked to the tragedy has varied between 13 confirmed fatalities and 18 suspected deaths over the last 48 hours as additional cases continue to emerge from different locations.
Investigators suspect that nearly 215 litres of industrial-grade methanol were mixed into locally brewed liquor before it was sold to consumers.
Police are currently questioning Yogesh Wankhede, a known bootlegger with a criminal background, who is believed to have played a major role in distributing the poisonous liquor in both Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad.
While local residents and victims’ families have blamed illegal liquor hubs for the deaths, police officials said forensic examination of medical reports and chemical samples is underway to build a strong legal case against the accused.