Pune, June 6 (). The issue of deaths due to drinking poisonous liquor has taken a serious turn in Pune, Maharashtra. The investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has so far confirmed the death of 20 people, while eight others are undergoing treatment in various hospitals. The investigating agencies are now taking massive action in this case to get to the bottom of the entire network related to illegal liquor manufacturing, supply and distribution of methanol.
According to CID, between 26 and 28 May 2026, the health of many people suddenly deteriorated after consuming poisonous hand-crafted liquor in Dapodi and Hadapsar police station areas of Pune. After this, a large number of people were admitted to hospitals, where many victims died. Considering the seriousness of the matter, a case was registered on May 29 at Dapodi police station and Hadapsar police station. In both the cases, various sections of the Indian Justice Code, 2023 along with relevant sections of Maharashtra and Mumbai Prohibition Act have also been imposed.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that poisonous chemical substances were mixed in Hathbhatti liquor. 16 people died in Dapodi area and four in Hadapsar area due to consumption of this poisonous liquor, taking the total number of deaths to 20. At the same time, eight other people are undergoing treatment in various hospitals.
During investigation, arrested accused Arun Jagdamba Choubey (59) and Abhishek Arun Choubey (34), residents of Washigaon, Navi Mumbai, were interrogated. On the basis of his statement, the warehouse of REX International Company located at Valgaon, Bhiwandi was investigated. This warehouse was earlier sealed by the Food and Administration Department.
The officials reopened the warehouse after conducting a panchnama and collected samples from 39 drums present there with the help of forensic experts. These samples have been sent to the laboratory for chemical testing.
CID has also seized a laptop and several important documents from the Vashi office of the accused. Apart from this, investigation of financial transactions has been started by obtaining details of bank accounts present in ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank.
Investigation has also revealed that REX International had sent 215 liters of methanol to the main accused Yogesh Whankhade through Avinash Cargo Private Limited. In this regard, the company office located at Bhosari was searched and statements of the employees were recorded and necessary documents were seized.
The accused in the case, Irfan Nisar Qureshi (50), resident of Dapodi near railway station, has been sent to police custody till June 8 by the court. Meanwhile, Aryan Sanjeev Dhotre (22) has also been arrested. Investigation revealed that he was involved in selling illegal hand-built liquor in Wadarwadi area and had an important role in the entire network.
CID has also interrogated Somnath Tatyaba Gawde, who prepared fake Aadhaar card. Officials suspect that he may have a role in illegal business by hiding his identity and preparing fake documents.
The Activa motorcycle used by the main accused Yogesh Whankhade to transport liquor has also been seized. Apart from this, a DVR has been recovered from Phugewadi area. Till now, the police have taken five CCTV DVRs and hard disks in their possession, with the help of which the activities of the accused and the entire network are being investigated.
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SAK/ABM
