29 May,2026 10:37 PM IST | Pune | Archana Dahiwal
A patient undergoes treatment after allegedly consuming methanol-laced liquor. Pics/By Special arrangement
The toxic liquor tragedy that has claimed at least 10 lives in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad has exposed the deep-rooted network of illegal liquor dens operating openly in the twin cities.
Deaths were reported from Phugewadi, Hadapsar, and nearby areas, leaving several families devastated. Residents alleged that illicit country liquor had been sold in the localities for decades despite repeated complaints to authorities.
The worst-hit pockets include Anandvan, Katevasti, Sanjay Nagar, Azad Chowk, and Jai Maharashtra Chowk in Phugewadi, where residents reported panic and grief after multiple sudden deaths linked to methanol-laced liquor.
Locals said illegal liquor was commonly sold in plastic pouches known as "fuga" or "balloons".
Sanjay Nagar in Phugewadi, one of the worst-hit areas. Pic/Archana Dahiwal
Police investigations revealed that the accused Radheshyam Prajapati allegedly manufactured illicit liquor in Uruli Kanchan, while Yogesh Wankhede allegedly supplied it to illegal liquor dens across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
Investigators said methanol was allegedly mixed into the liquor to increase the quantity and profits. However, the toxic content reportedly exceeded safe levels, turning the liquor deadly.
So far, Pimpri-Chinchwad Police have arrested six accused, while Pune Police have arrested two, taking the total arrests to eight. Police are also probing whether more persons are linked to the racket.
Relatives of victims sit anxious and devastated as the toxic liquor tragedy leaves several families shattered. Pic/Archana Dahiwal
Akbar Pathan, Rajesh Rajput, Akshay Avasarmal, Sachin Netke and brothers Vijay and Rajendra Rathod were among those killed after allegedly consuming the toxic liquor.
YCM Hospital confirmed six deaths and three critical patients, while Sassoon General Hospital reported four more fatalities. Residents claimed the actual death toll may be higher than official figures as cases were spread across multiple police jurisdictions.
Left to navigate the sudden devastation, grieving relatives expressed their despair to mid-day reporters: "Our earning members are gone. How will we raise our children now?"
Families of victims alleged that illegal liquor dens operated openly for years and accused authorities of ignoring repeated complaints. Some residents also alleged a nexus between bootleggers and local officials. "If the administration had acted earlier, our son would still be alive," said the mother of victim Akshay Avasarmal.
Police have registered multiple FIRs under stringent sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Maharashtra Prohibition Act at Dapodi and Hadapsar police stations.
Given the seriousness of the case, further investigation has now been transferred to the crime branch.
- Blurred vision
- Excessive sweating
- Breathlessness
- Dizziness
- Uneasiness
- Frothing from mouth
- Chest pain
- Sudden collapse
