Significant Action Taken Against Officials Following Fatalities from Illicit Alcohol in Pune

State Department Takes Action

In response to the tragic deaths linked to the consumption of counterfeit alcohol in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, the state excise department has suspended 13 officials and staff members as of Saturday. This group includes three inspectors, six sub-inspectors, and four other employees from the department.

Key Developments in the Case

Over the course of two days, eight individuals, including a prominent illegal liquor trafficker, have been arrested in connection with the incidents in Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has taken over the investigation following these events.

Police Actions and Suspensions

According to an order from the Pune Police Commissioner’s office, Senior Police Inspector Sanjay Mogale, Assistant Police Inspector Hasina Siklagar, and Sub-Inspector Hasan Mulani have been suspended for allegedly failing to curb the illegal trade and supply of counterfeit alcohol in the Hadapsar area.

Additionally, a senior officer from the Pimpri-Chinchwad police reported that six officers, including a senior inspector, a sub-inspector, and four constables from the Dapodi police station, have also been suspended.

Health Impacts and Government Response

The state excise department confirmed the suspension of 13 personnel, including three inspectors and six sub-inspectors, as stated by Superintendent Atul Kanade.

Reports indicate that ten individuals died in the Fugewadi area of Pimpri-Chinchwad, while four others succumbed to suspected adulterated alcohol in the Pandhare Mala area of Hadapsar, Pune.

Currently, five individuals are receiving treatment for suspected poisoning from toxic alcohol at a hospital in Pimpri-Chinchwad.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the incident as "extremely serious," asserting that the entire network involved in the supply of adulterated alcohol has been identified and further actions are underway.

Investigation and Community Reactions

A senior official confirmed that the CID has been assigned to investigate this entire tragedy.

Dr. Rajendra Wable, Dean of Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital in Pimpri-Chinchwad, noted that most of the deceased had consumed excessive amounts of alcohol, exhibiting symptoms such as difficulty breathing, acidosis, frothing at the mouth, dizziness, and unconsciousness upon arrival at the hospital. Typically, symptoms begin with breathing difficulties, followed by a heavy head and increased heart rate, leading to severe conditions.

Meanwhile, Rohit Pawar and other NCP (SP) activists demolished an alleged liquor den in the Hadapsar area. In a social media post, Pawar claimed that 18 individuals had died from consuming toxic alcohol in Pune's Hadapsar and Fugewadi areas. He described the incident as "extremely horrifying," accusing the home department of uncontrolled and corrupt operations.