Pune Toxic Liquor Tragedy Claims 18 Lives

Pune, Maharashtra: A shocking toxic liquor tragedy has rocked Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, claiming 18 lives and exposing a dangerous illegal alcohol network allegedly driven by greed and negligence. As public outrage intensifies across Maharashtra, postmortem reports have confirmed the presence of methanol and country liquor in the bodies of the victims, raising serious concerns about the rampant sale of poisonous liquor under the guise of cheap alcohol.

Several victims remain hospitalized, with authorities reporting that some patients are battling critical complications. Medical sources revealed that a number of survivors have suffered vision impairment, while others are experiencing severe respiratory distress — classic symptoms associated with methanol poisoning.

CID Steps In As Probe Deepens

Recognizing the gravity of the incident, the Maharashtra government has transferred the investigation to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Investigators are now working to uncover the full extent of the illegal liquor syndicate and trace the source of the toxic methanol supply.

73-Year-Old Alleged Kingpin Under Scanner

Police suspect that 73-year-old Gurmangat Singh Virk, popularly known as “Sardarji,” played a central role in the operation. According to investigators, methanol was allegedly mixed with liquor to increase volume and maximize profits, ultimately turning the product into a deadly poison.

Eight individuals have been arrested so far, including Gurmangat Singh Virk, Yogesh Wankhede, Radheshyam Prajapati, Kalpesh Agrawal, Akash Jadhav, Irfan Qureshi, and Aryan Dhotre. All accused have been remanded to police custody until June 8.

Toxic Liquor Manufactured In Uruli Kanchan

Investigators have traced the manufacturing operation to Uruli Kanchan in Pune’s Haveli taluka. According to officials, Radheshyam Prajapati allegedly produced the liquor, while Yogesh Wankhede handled distribution across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.

Authorities revealed that a 35-litre can was reportedly purchased for around ₹1,900 and sold for ₹2,700. In a bid to boost profits, methanol allegedly sourced online was mixed into the liquor — a decision that investigators believe triggered the deadly chain of events.

Poison Reached Phugewadi And Other Areas

The investigation has further revealed that the contaminated liquor was supplied to illegal liquor dens in Phugewadi, Pimpri-Chinchwad. Police suspect that Karnail Singh Virk and family members were involved in local distribution. The network is also believed to have supplied liquor to Khadki, Wadarwadi, Hadapsar, and Kalepadal areas.

Police Officials Face Action

The incident has also placed law enforcement under intense scrutiny. Public anger escalated after initial reports reportedly suggested that the deaths were due to natural causes.

Subsequently, action was initiated against eight police personnel for alleged negligence in duty. Six officers, including Dapodi Senior Police Inspector Vijay Waghmare, have been suspended, while others have been transferred to the police control room pending further inquiry.

Two FIRs Registered, More Revelations Expected

Separate FIRs have been registered at Hadapsar and Dapodi police stations. Investigators believe the case could expose a much larger illegal liquor network operating across the region.

Officials are now conducting an extensive investigation into the methanol supply chain, financial transactions, and distribution channels linked to the racket.

Meanwhile, local residents claim the actual death toll may be higher than the officially reported figure, fueling demands for a transparent and comprehensive investigation. With the CID now leading the probe, authorities are expected to uncover further explosive details in one of Maharashtra’s most alarming toxic liquor disasters in recent years.