Pune Toxic Liquor Case Sparks Action, 13 Officials Suspended Amid CID Probe

Deaths after alleged spurious liquor consumption in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad have triggered wide action. Police and state excise officials have been suspended, arrests have been made, and the Crime Investigation Department has taken over the investigation into the tragedy spread across two neighbouring urban areas.

The Maharashtra State Excise Department suspended 13 personnel on 29 June. The list includes three inspectors, six sub-inspectors and four other staff members. Police authorities have also initiated departmental action against multiple officers from Pune city and Pimpri Chinchwad for failing to curb the alleged illegal liquor trade.

Spurious liquor deaths: Police suspensions and probe transfer

From Pune city, senior police inspector Sanjay Mogale from Hadapsar police station faces suspension. Assistant police inspector Hasina Sikalgar and sub-inspector Hasan Mulani are also suspended. The Pune police commissionerate order cites failure to control the suspected circulation of poisonous liquor in the Hadapsar area as the reason.

Pimpri Chinchwad police have taken similar steps. A senior official said six personnel from Dapodi police station are now suspended. The group consists of one senior inspector, one sub-inspector and four constables. According to superintendent Atul Kanade, the excise suspensions and police action are linked to the same spurious liquor deaths case.

Spurious liquor deaths: Arrests, toll and treatment

Police said 10 people died in the Phugewadi locality of Pimpri Chinchwad. Four more deaths were reported from the Pandhare Mala area in Pune’s Hadapsar. Five men believed to have consumed the suspected toxic liquor are receiving treatment at a Pimpri Chinchwad hospital, and their condition is being monitored closely.

So far, eight people have been arrested, including an alleged key bootlegger. These arrests relate to incidents that unfolded over two days across Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. A senior official confirmed that “the probe into the entire tragedy was transferred to the Crime Investigation Department (CID)” for further investigation.

Spurious liquor deaths: Government response and medical details

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the episode as "very serious". Fadnavis said further steps were underway because the "entire ecosystem" involved in supplying spurious liquor had been identified. The remarks indicate the state government expects the CID to look beyond local suppliers and examine wider networks.

Dr. Rajendra Wable, Dean of Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital in Pimpri Chinchwad, explained the clinical picture. Many deceased persons were reported as binge drinkers. When brought in, they showed breathing trouble, acidosis, frothing, dizziness and loss of consciousness, suggesting possible methanol poisoning or other toxic substances in the consumed liquor.

Describing the progression, Dr. Wable said, "Usually, the symptoms begin with respiratory complaints, followed by heaviness in the head and increased heartbeat. Subsequently, the patient's condition becomes critical." Medical teams are using this pattern to track suspected cases quickly and support those still under treatment in Pimpri Chinchwad.

Spurious liquor deaths: Political reaction and controversy

Political reactions have also emerged from the case. Rohit Pawar and other NCP (SP) workers entered the Hadapsar area and demolished an alleged liquor den. In a social media post, Pawar claimed 18 deaths after poisonous liquor consumption in Hadapsar and Phugewadi, a higher figure than police statements.

Pawar, who represents Karjat-Jamkhed as MLA, called the incident "extremely horrifying". Pawar alleged it showed unchecked and corrupt functioning within the home department. While official agencies maintain the death toll at 14, the difference in figures has added pressure on investigators and oversight bodies already facing public scrutiny.