In the wake of the Malwani hooch tragedy that has claimed nearly hundred lives so far, Maharashtra Minister Eknath Shinde today said he has ordered wiping out of the 'haath bhattis' (furnaces) in Thane district, where hooch is distilled.

"Around a hundred people have lost their lives after drinking adulterated liquor at Malwani in Malad and the number is only increasing by the day. In Thane district as well there are a number of places where illicit alcohol is being made and sold. I have immediately ordered officials that they identify all haath bhattis and destroy them," Shinde, who is the Guardian Minister of Thane district, told reporters here.