The Pune spurious liquor case has triggered a large-scale crackdown after at least 15 people died across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Preliminary findings point to methanol contamination in illegally brewed liquor.

At least 15 people have died over the last 24 hours after allegedly consuming spurious liquor in parts of Pune and neighbouring Pimpri-Chinchwad, prompting a major police and excise department operation across the region.

The deaths were reported from Hadapsar, Fugewadi, Dapodi and Pimpri areas on Thursday night and Friday morning, officials said. Several others are undergoing treatment after reportedly falling ill shortly after consuming locally supplied liquor suspected to have been manufactured illegally.

Preliminary investigation has indicated possible methanol contamination in the liquor consumed by the victims. Methanol is a highly toxic industrial chemical that has been linked to several hooch tragedies across the country in the past.

Crackdown Across Areas

Police and State Excise Department teams carried out raids in multiple localities following the deaths. Authorities said eight people, including an alleged illegal liquor supplier, have been detained in connection with the case so far.

Officials involved in the probe said samples of the seized liquor have been sent for forensic and chemical examination. Investigators are trying to establish the source of the suspected toxic mixture and the scale of distribution.

Local residents claimed the liquor had been supplied through an illegal hand-operated distillery operating in the area for some time. Some residents also questioned how such operations allegedly continued without detection.

The incident has once again brought attention to the illegal liquor trade operating in parts of urban and semi-urban Maharashtra.

Victims Reported Illness

According to police officials, several victims complained of dizziness, vomiting and sudden health complications before collapsing. Some reportedly died while being shifted to hospitals.

Doctors treating the affected persons are monitoring symptoms commonly associated with methanol poisoning, including vision problems and severe neurological distress, sources familiar with the matter said.

However, Pimpri-Chinchwad Police stated that the exact cause behind some of the deaths is yet to be medically confirmed. Officials said at least five deaths may have occurred due to separate medical reasons and post-mortem reports are awaited.

CM Orders Inquiry

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a detailed inquiry into the Pune spurious liquor deaths. Senior officials from the Home Department and Excise Department have been asked to submit a report on the incident.

Authorities are also examining whether lapses in local enforcement enabled the illegal sale and manufacture of liquor in the affected areas.

Police officials said more arrests are likely as the investigation progresses. Teams have been deployed to trace the supply chain and identify others linked to the operation.

Opposition Seeks Answers

The tragedy has triggered political reactions as well. Opposition leaders demanded a fair and transparent investigation into the deaths and called for strict action against those responsible.

Yogesh Behl urged authorities to ensure accountability at all levels, including action against officials if negligence is found during the inquiry.

Questions are also being raised over the functioning of local police stations and excise monitoring units, particularly in areas where residents claim illegal liquor activity had been ongoing.

Forensic Reports Awaited

Officials said the final cause of death in each case will be confirmed only after detailed forensic and toxicology reports are completed. Investigators are currently matching medical findings with samples recovered during the raids.

The administration has appealed to residents to avoid consuming liquor from unlicensed or suspicious sources and to immediately report any illegal brewing activity to authorities.

The Pune spurious liquor tragedy is among the deadliest such incidents reported in Maharashtra in recent years and is expected to intensify scrutiny of illicit liquor networks operating in and around industrial townships.