12 Die In Pune After Drinking Suspected Toxic Liquor, Maharashtra Govt Launches Major Crackdown

At least 12 people have died in and around Pune after allegedly consuming suspected spurious liquor, police said. The deaths occurred over two days in Phugewadi in Pimpri-Chinchwad and in Pune’s Hadapsar area. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered a detailed inquiry and asked police to fix responsibility quickly.

Police said three more persons remain in hospital in critical condition after drinking the same suspected batch. Officers suspect the liquor contained a toxic chemical, possibly similar to methanol. The exact substance, and the direct cause of death, will be known only after forensic and toxicology reports are completed.

Pune, Maharashtra: An incident occured in the Hadapsar area of Pune, where five people died after allegedly consuming toxic liquor in the Pandhare Mala locality. The administration has launched an investigation into the matter pic.twitter.com/e0laQDZ8e8

— IANS (@ians_india) May 29, 2026

Spurious liquor deaths Pune: government orders probe, network under scanner

Devendra Fadnavis called the incident "extremely unfortunate" and said eight people had been arrested till now. Fadnavis stated that more arrests are expected as the investigation progresses. According to Fadnavis, investigators have identified the full network linked to the case and are checking how far its operations may have spread.

VIDEO | Maharashtra: Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad police have launched a probe into a suspected poisonous liquor case after eight deaths were reported in Phugewadi and Hadapsar over the last two days.

According to the excise department, the bootlegger who allegedly supplied the… pic.twitter.com/ExxMX5cl2H

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 29, 2026

Fadnavis said, "The police are making every effort and are also tracing the extent of the network. We are determined to reach its roots and dismantle it completely." Officials said the police would soon share a detailed statement on the suspected chemical, after laboratory results are studied.

Spurious liquor deaths Pune: police, excise track supply chain

Police and the state excise department have launched a joint probe into the source of the suspected spurious liquor. Teams are examining whether an organised illegal manufacturing and distribution chain was active in the affected pockets. Raids and searches are continuing to locate more persons suspected of involvement in the supply network.

#WATCH | Maharashtra: ACP Pimpri, Sachin Hire says, "Eight people died due to spurious liquor in Dapodi yesterday. We have registered the case under stringent sections, including those for culpable homicide. Five accused have been nabbed by us so far, and we have formally… https://t.co/Hg7xTMiKJH pic.twitter.com/r0M1yvPKtB

— ANI (@ANI) May 29, 2026

In the case, police have detained Yogesh Wankhede, who investigators believe supplied liquor to both affected areas. Several others are being questioned about the supply route and financing. Authorities are mapping how the liquor moved from the suspected producer to local sellers, and then reached the victims in Phugewadi and Hadapsar.

Spurious liquor deaths Pune: toll, locations and identified victims

The highest number of deaths occurred in Phugewadi in Pimpri-Chinchwad, where seven residents lost their lives. Hadapsar reported five deaths, including people from Sasane Nagar and Kalepadal. One family in Phugewadi suffered a double tragedy, as two brothers reportedly died after drinking the suspected toxic liquor from the same source.

VIDEO | Maharashtra: The authorities have launched a probe focused on methanol-laced liquor following the death of at least persons in and around Pune in 24 hours. The deaths were reported from the Phugewadi area of Pimpri Chinchwad and Pune’s Hadapsar. DCP Sandeep Atole, says,… https://t.co/bBryhF8V8A pic.twitter.com/b7TVhYvu6P

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 29, 2026

Police released names of several victims from both locations. Those who died in Hadapsar include Rahul Sharad Kshirsagar (45), Vijay Bhukurlal Sharma (45), Arun Dadar and Ashok Ramesh Chavan. In Phugewadi, the deceased include Rajesh Rajput, Pandurang Phuge, Anand Desai, Akbar Pathan and Anand Nikalje, along with other local residents.

Officials are also checking reports that the liquor may have contained methanol, or a similar industrial chemical. Fadnavis said the substance appears comparable in nature but declined further comment until tests are finished. Authorities said any next steps, including fresh criminal charges, will depend on these forensic findings.

Mumbai, Maharashtra: On deaths in Pimpri-Chinchwad after consuming toxic liquor in Pune, CM Devendra Fadnavis says, "This is a very unfortunate incident. Eight people have been arrested immediately in connection with the case, and some more people may also be arrested. We have… pic.twitter.com/sRpdHgIfyF

— IANS (@ians_india) May 29, 2026

State Excise Commissioner Atul Kanade told PTI, "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 said officers are focusing on both contamination and the larger supply network.

Pune, Maharashtra: An incident occured in the Hadapsar area of Pune, where five people died after allegedly consuming toxic liquor in the Pandhare Mala locality. The administration has launched an investigation into the matter pic.twitter.com/e0laQDZ8e8

— IANS (@ians_india) May 29, 2026

Officials said raids would continue while forensic experts examine liquor samples for methanol contamination. Police, excise teams and local authorities are coordinating to find any remaining stock and prevent more deaths. The investigation now centres on confirming the chemical used, tracing every link in the chain, and establishing criminal liability for the Pune region tragedy.