At least 13 people have died in Maharashtra’s Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad after suspected consuming adulterated liquor, prompting several agencies to launch an investigation. In Pimpri Chinchwad district, eight people died within 24 hours. Seven deaths were reported Thursday and one late Wednesday night. Four other area residents are undergoing treatment and are said to be in critical condition.
Five deaths were reported in Pune, including three in Kali Badal and two in Hadapsar. Residents linked the deaths to consumption of adulterated liquor, although police said the exact cause of the deaths would only be known after receiving forensic and post-mortem reports.
Investigators said there were similarities in symptoms reported between the victims. They added that many complained of dizziness and discomfort before collapsing, foaming at the mouth, breathing difficulties, and a sudden drop in heart rate.
Alcohol was detected in at least one deceased person, police said. Officials warned against concluding anything until medical reports were available.
Police said they have uncovered what appears to be a wider network of illegal liquor production and distribution across the Pune district. The focus of the investigation shifted to Yogesh Wankhede, an alleged smuggler with a criminal record.
Wankhede’s arrest followed raids on locations where alcohol was allegedly supplied. A number of suspects were arrested.
Police, tax officials and forensic experts are working to trace the supply chain, identify distributors and determine the exact composition of the seized alcoholic beverages. The Pimpri-Chinchwad police urged citizens not to link all the deaths to a single cause at this stage.
“Preliminary investigation into the deaths reported in Fujiwadi-Dapudi area indicates that each case appears to be independent in nature. Data recorded from family members indicate that four of the deceased had no history of alcohol abuse, while one person was known to be a habitual drinker,” the police said in a statement.
“Based on the information available so far, it would be premature to link these deaths to any single cause. The exact cause of death will only be determined after the autopsy and medical examination reports are received. Citizens are asked not to believe or circulate rumours. A detailed investigation is underway.”
Investigators suspect that nearly 215 liters of methanol was mixed into alcoholic beverages in the country before it was supplied to the cities of Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. Methanol is a highly toxic industrial chemical. Even small amounts can cause blindness, organ failure, and death.
Inadequate monitoring of methanol sales and supplies may have contributed to the accident, people familiar with the matter said. The role of regulatory authorities, including the Food and Drug Administration, is also expected to come under scrutiny.
