Mumbai, June 6: The tragic case of toxic liquor consumption in Pune, Maharashtra, has escalated significantly. The state’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has confirmed that 20 individuals have died, while eight others are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals. Investigative agencies are now undertaking extensive actions to uncover the entire network involved in the illegal production, supply, and distribution of methanol.
According to the CID, several people fell seriously ill after consuming toxic homemade liquor between May 26 and May 28, 2026, in the Dapodi and Hadapsar police jurisdictions. A large number of individuals were subsequently hospitalized, leading to multiple fatalities. In response to the severity of the situation, cases were registered at the Dapodi and Hadapsar police stations on May 29, invoking various sections of the Indian Penal Code, 2023, along with relevant provisions of the Maharashtra and Mumbai Prohibition Act.
Preliminary investigations revealed that toxic chemicals were mixed into the homemade liquor. This resulted in 16 deaths in the Dapodi area and four in Hadapsar, bringing the total death toll to 20. Meanwhile, eight individuals continue to receive medical care in various hospitals.
During the investigation, two suspects, Arun Jagdamb Choubey (59) and Abhishek Arun Choubey (34), residents of Vashigaon, Navi Mumbai, were interrogated. Based on their statements, authorities inspected a warehouse belonging to REX International in Valgaon, Bhiwandi, which had previously been sealed by the Food and Administration Department.
Officials reopened the warehouse and collected samples from 39 drums with the assistance of forensic experts. These samples have been sent for chemical testing in a laboratory.
The CID also seized a laptop and several important documents from the suspects’ office in Vashi. Additionally, they have begun investigating financial transactions by obtaining details of bank accounts held at ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank.
The investigation revealed that REX International had sent 215 liters of methanol to the main accused, Yogesh Vankhade, through Avinash Cargo Private Limited. A search was conducted at the company office in Bhosari, where employee statements were recorded and necessary documents were confiscated.
One of the accused, Irfan Nisar Qureshi (50), a resident near Dapodi railway station, has been remanded to police custody until June 8. Aryan Sanjeev Dhotre (22) has also been arrested; he is believed to have played a significant role in the illegal sale of homemade liquor in the Vadawadi area.
The CID has also questioned Somnath Tatyaba Gawde, who allegedly prepared fake Aadhaar cards. Authorities suspect his involvement in concealing identities and creating counterfeit documents for the illegal operation.
The motorcycle used by the main accused, Yogesh Vankhade, for transporting liquor has also been seized. Additionally, a DVR was recovered from the Fugewadi area. So far, police have confiscated five CCTV DVRs and hard drives, which will aid in investigating the activities of the accused and the entire network.
–
Leave a Comment