MUMBAI: At least 15 people have died after allegedly consuming hooch in Pimpri Chinchwad, an extended suburb of Pune in Maharashtra, prompting the Chief Minister to order a high-level CID probe and warning of strict action against those responsible.
According to local reports, 15 people died, ten from Pimpri Chinchwad and five from Hadapsar in Pune, on Thursday after consuming illicit liquor in the Wanwadi area of Pimpri Chinchwad.
On Friday, eight deaths were initially reported, taking the total toll to 15 by noon. The deceased include two brothers, while their father lost eyesight after consuming the hooch.
Local officials said the victims fell unconscious and experienced breathing difficulties after allegedly consuming the liquor before being declared dead. The state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been asked to probe the incident.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that they will not spare anyone in the case. He said he had spoken with the police commissioner, calling it a serious matter and stating that it is “one sort of murder only”.
“Eight people are arrested in this case. More people who are responsible for this tragedy are likely to be arrested. The police have identified the place where illegal hooch was made. We will not share anyone as it is a very serious crime,” CM Fadnavis said.
Dr Basavraj Teli, Joint Commissioner of Police of Pimpri Chinchwad, said during the probe that police arrested Karnelsingh Takhtsingh Virka (73), Gurmangatsingh Karnelsingh Virka (45), Yogesh Ramchandra Wankhede (23) and Radhesham Hariram Prajapati (35) in connection with the case.
The accused were produced before a local court, which remanded them in police custody till June 8.
“They are charged under various sections, including the provision pertaining to culpable homicide not amounting to murder. We are in the process of arresting a fifth accused in the case. The other three accused were arrested by the state excise department,” Teli said.
Police said the accused allegedly supplied methanol-laced liquor to the Phugewadi area in Pimpri Chinchwad and parts of Pune city, which may have led to the deaths.
Local NCP leader Yogesh Bahal demanded a high-level inquiry into the incident, alleging that illicit and adulterated liquor was being sold openly with the connivance of police and authorities.
He also alleged that large kickbacks were being paid to police and local officials, while no action was being taken.
“The hooch is being manufactured and sold under the nose of the police. Instead of taking action, they are part of the racket that has claimed 15 lives. We demand a high-level probe,” he said.
However, police have not confirmed that all the deaths were caused solely by hooch consumption, citing possible factors such as heat and other health conditions. Post-mortem reports are yet to be submitted.
Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal demanded the immediate suspension of deputy police officers under whose jurisdiction the incident occurred.
He said the law and order situation in Maharashtra has deteriorated day by day and that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is also Home Minister, has failed to maintain order.
“Devendra Fadnavis should accept moral responsibility and resign from the post of Home Minister because this is not the first incident that took place. Earlier also several incidents of breaking the law and order incident took place in state. There is complete lawlessness in state and no fear has left in the mind of the criminals,” Sapkal said.
