Following the suspected methanol liquor tragedy that claimed nearly 20 lives in Pune's Phugewadi, Dapodi and Hadapsar areas, the Maharashtra Excise Department launched a massive crackdown between May 29 and June 4, seizing illicit liquor and related material worth Rs 1.47 crore, Excise Superintendent Atul Kanade said.

The intensified operation was conducted under the guidance and directives of State Excise Commissioner Rajesh Deshmukh, Joint Commissioner (Enforcement and Vigilance) Prasad Surve, and Pune Divisional Deputy Commissioner Sagar Dhomkar.