Spurious Liquor Tragedy in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Claims 13 Lives; Suspected Methanol Poisoning Under Investigation

In Pimpri-Chinchwad’s Phugewadi area, eight deaths were reported within a 24-hour period. Seven individuals died on Thursday, while one death occurred late on Wednesday night. Additionally, four residents from the same locality remain in critical condition and are undergoing medical treatment.

In Pune city, five deaths have been reported. Three fatalities occurred in Kale Padal, while two deaths were recorded in Hadapsar. Local residents have linked these fatalities to the consumption of suspected spurious liquor. However, police have stated that the exact cause of death will only be confirmed after forensic examination and post-mortem reports are completed.

Investigators have observed similarities in the symptoms reported among the victims. The deceased experienced dizziness, uneasiness, sudden collapse, frothing at the mouth, breathing difficulties, and a sharp drop in heart rate before death.

Police confirmed that alcohol traces were detected in at least one of the deceased individuals. Authorities have urged the public to avoid drawing conclusions until all medical reports are finalized.

Preliminary investigation suggests the presence of a wider illegal liquor production and distribution network operating across Pune district. The focus of the probe has shifted toward Yogesh Wankhede, an alleged bootlegger with a prior criminal record. Law enforcement agencies are actively tracing the supply chain, identifying distributors, and analyzing the chemical composition of the seized liquor.

Officials stated that initial findings suggest the deaths in the Phugewadi-Dapodi area may be independent in nature. According to police statements, four of the deceased reportedly had no history of alcohol consumption, while one individual was identified as a habitual drinker. Authorities emphasized that linking all deaths to a single cause at this stage would be premature.

Police have also confirmed that nearly 215 litres of methanol are suspected to have been mixed into country liquor before distribution in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Methanol, an industrial chemical, is highly toxic and can cause blindness, organ failure, and death even in small quantities.

Investigators have indicated that weak monitoring of methanol sale and distribution may have contributed to the incident. The role of regulatory bodies, including the Food and Drug Administration, is also expected to come under scrutiny as the investigation progresses.

Authorities have urged citizens not to circulate rumours or misinformation, reiterating that the exact cause of death will be established only after comprehensive medical and forensic analysis. The investigation remains ongoing.

The incident has exposed serious concerns over illegal liquor networks, chemical misuse, and enforcement gaps, marking one of the most severe suspected spurious liquor tragedies in the region in recent times.