Investigation Intensifies After 18 Deaths Linked to Methanol-Laced Alcohol in Pune

Police Ramp Up Investigation into Illegal Alcohol Trade

In Pune district, following the tragic deaths of 18 individuals due to methanol-contaminated alcohol over the past 48 hours, law enforcement has accelerated its investigation into the illegal liquor trade. Thirteen fatalities occurred in the Pimpri Chinchwad areas of Fughewadi and Dapodi, while five others died in Hadapsar and Kalepadal in Pune. Initially, authorities attributed these deaths to various illnesses, but all victims exhibited similar symptoms, including severe dizziness and abdominal pain, which align with early signs of alcohol poisoning.

Aditya Thackeray, a leader from the Shiv Sena (UBT), criticized the police for merely making arrests for show without taking substantial action. A video surfaced from Pune showing a young man celebrating after being released from jail for allegedly killing two people while driving a Porsche. Thackeray questioned the state of law and order, asking what more could be expected under such circumstances.

Post-Mortem Reports Lead to Criminal Charges

Subsequent to receiving post-mortem reports, police initiated the process of filing cases under Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), Section 123 (causing hurt by means of poisonous substances), and other relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Maharashtra Prohibition Act. A key suspect, identified as Yogesh Wankhede, surrendered to authorities and was arrested. During interrogation, it was revealed that he had supplied chemically laced alcohol in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. Atul Kanade, Superintendent of the State Excise Department, stated that the accused allegedly mixed methanol, a toxic chemical, into the alcohol, leading to the fatalities. Further questioning is underway to identify others involved in the illegal liquor network.

Community Outrage and Ongoing Investigations

Vinay Chaubey, the Police Commissioner of Pimpri Chinchwad, confirmed that besides Wankhede, five other suspects are currently in police custody, while two more are held by the State Excise Department. The investigation has since been transferred to the crime branch. Local residents have reported rampant illegal sales of country liquor in Dapodi, Fughewadi, and Hadapsar, claiming that police and excise officials have turned a blind eye. Family members of the victims expressed their grief over the horrific incident. One family member shared with a news outlet, 'Five people from this area (Pandhare Mala in Pune) were affected. All lived here. Three of them were from our family - Arun, Rahul, and Yashwant. They started vomiting and experienced severe stomach pain just ten minutes after consuming the alcohol. This incident occurred yesterday.'