Pune Hooch tragedy death toll rises to 15; eight arrested

Mangalore Today News Network

Mumbai, May 30, 2026: The death toll in the Pune hooch tragedy has risen to 15, with several others undergoing treatment after allegedly consuming methanol-laced spurious liquor in different parts of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad over the past three days.

While the Maharashtra government and police have confirmed 15 deaths, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi claimed that the toll could be as high as 18. At least three persons are reported to be in critical condition.

The fatalities were reported from Dapodi and Phugewadi in Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Sasane Nagar and Kalepadal areas of Hadapsar in Pune city.

Police have arrested eight persons so far, including the alleged bootlegger and the owner of an illicit liquor outlet linked to the tragedy.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, has directed the State Excise Department and the police commissionerates of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad to launch a comprehensive crackdown on the illegal liquor network.

Preliminary investigations indicate that methanol was used in the manufacture of the liquor. Describing the incident as serious, Fadnavis said strict action would be taken against all those responsible.

Authorities suspect the liquor was mixed with toxic substances, although the exact cause of death will be confirmed only after post-mortem, forensic and toxicology reports are received. Viscera samples from the victims have been sent to the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL) for analysis.

An FIR has been registered at Dapodi Police Station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including culpable homicide not amounting to murder and causing hurt by harmful substances, along with relevant provisions of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act.

Investigators said the spurious liquor was allegedly produced by Yogesh Wankhede, who has a history of involvement in the illicit liquor trade and faces multiple criminal cases. Another accused, Colonel Singh Virkha, who allegedly operated the liquor outlet, has also been taken into custody.

According to officials, five deaths were reported on Wednesday, seven on Thursday and three on Friday.

The tragedy has deeply affected local communities. In Phugewadi, two brothers reportedly died after consuming the suspected toxic liquor.

State Excise Commissioner Atul Kanade said Wankhede had supplied liquor to both Phugewadi and Hadapsar.

Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said medical reports would help establish the exact cause of the deaths. Pimpri-Chinchwad Deputy Commissioner of Police Sandeep Atole confirmed that eight arrests had been made in connection with the case.

Residents have demanded stricter action against the illegal liquor trade. Usha Sathe, a resident of Phugewadi, said the tragedy had devastated families in the area and called for stronger measures to curb the sale of illicit alcohol.