29 May,2026 01:21 PM IST | Pune | Archana Dahiwal
Representational Image
A major toxic liquor tragedy has sent shockwaves across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad after at least 15 people allegedly died from consuming chemically contaminated illicit country liquor within a span of 24 hours. Authorities fear the death toll could rise further as several others remain hospitalised in critical condition.
The mystery surrounding a series of sudden and suspicious deaths reported over the last 24 to 48 hours in the Fugewadi area of Pimpri-Chinchwad has now been unravelled. Investigators believe the deaths were not caused by any natural illness but by highly toxic spurious liquor allegedly manufactured illegally in Uruli Kanchan using hazardous methanol-based chemicals.
Police officials said the illicit liquor was prepared within the jurisdiction of the Uruli Kanchan Police Station. To increase the potency of the brew, the prime accused, Yogesh Wankhede - a known offender on the records of the State Excise Department - allegedly mixed nearly 215 litres of poisonous methanol into the liquor before distributing it to illegal liquor dens across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
According to police, the victims suffered severe poisoning after consuming the liquor, resulting in multiple deaths across the two cities.
So far, 10 deaths have been reported from Fugewadi and nearby areas in Pimpri-Chinchwad, while five fatalities have been recorded in Pune, including the Hadapsar area.
The deceased from Pimpri-Chinchwad have been identified as Pandurang Sadashiv Phuge (57), Vijay Prakash Rathod (31), Rajendra Prakash Rathod (34), Rajesh Rajput (51), Akbar Pathan (52), Anand Pandurang Desai (60), Anand Kashinath Nikalje (70), and Baba Sheikh (42), among others.
Among the victims from Pune are Rahul Sharad Kshirsagar (45), Vijay Bhukurlal Sharma (45), Arun Dadar, Ashok Ramesh Chavan, and another person whose identity is yet to be officially confirmed.
Four more people are currently undergoing treatment in hospitals, and their condition is reported to be extremely critical.
Investigators noted that most of the deceased displayed similar symptoms before death, including dizziness, breathing difficulties, frothing at the mouth, severe discomfort, and a slowing heartbeat.
Medical examinations reportedly detected traces of alcohol and methanol in the stomach of at least one victim, strengthening suspicions of chemical poisoning. Final confirmation, however, is awaited through detailed medical and forensic reports.
The tragedy initially created panic and confusion in Fugewadi, as several deaths occurred in rapid succession within a span of 24 hours.
In one of the most tragic incidents, brothers Vijay and Rajendra Rathod died within hours of each other. Vijay Rathod reportedly felt dizzy while at work in Vishrantwadi and was admitted to Khadki Cantonment Hospital, where he later died.
After learning of his brother's death, Rajendra allegedly suffered severe shock, collapsed, and later died while undergoing treatment at a district hospital in Navi Sangvi.
Rajesh Rajput reportedly collapsed inside the washroom of his home on Thursday morning and was declared dead before treatment could begin at YCM Hospital.
Akbar Pathan, who reportedly had a long history of alcohol consumption, allegedly consumed the liquor on Wednesday before his health deteriorated fatally.
However, police said preliminary inquiries suggested that at least four of the deceased had no history of alcohol addiction, adding another dimension to the investigation.
Prime suspect Yogesh Wankhede has reportedly surrendered before police and has since been taken into custody. Police are also questioning several other suspects believed to be linked to the illegal liquor racket.
Officials maintained that a comprehensive investigation is underway and said the exact cause of all the deaths would become clear only after detailed medical and chemical analysis reports are received.
