PUNE: At least 12 people have died, and three others are in critical condition after consuming spurious liquor laced with methanol in Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune city over the past 48 hours, triggering a major police and excise department crackdown.

The deaths were reported from Phugewadi area in Pimpri-Chinchwad and Hadapsar locality in Pune. Most victims were daily wage labourers and low-income residents who consumed the cheap illicit liquor on Wednesday and Thursday. Victims reportedly suffered from severe symptoms, including vomiting, breathing difficulties, blurred vision, and unconsciousness, before succumbing.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the incident as “extremely unfortunate” and termed the deaths as “murders by the hooch mafia.” He has ordered a high-level probe and directed the police and excise department to dismantle the entire illegal liquor supply network. “We will not spare anyone involved in this heinous crime,” Fadnavis said.

Pune Police and Excise officials have so far arrested eight persons, including the prime suspect, bootlegger Yogesh Wankhede (also referred to as Yogesh Vankari). Police suspect the toxic liquor was manufactured in Uruli Kanchan and supplied to multiple areas. A case has been registered under sections for culpable homicide, and samples have been sent for forensic and toxicology tests, which have confirmed the presence of methanol.

As investigations continue, the death toll may rise with several patients still battling for life in hospitals. The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of consuming illicit liquor in the state, and once again highlights the persistent menace of illegal liquor in Maharashtra despite regular raids. Authorities have launched a massive drive across Pune district, smashing several illegal distilleries and seizing large quantities of hooch.

Opposition parties have demanded strict action against the liquor mafia and have accused the administration of failing to check the illegal trade. 

NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar who met the families affected by the incident, termed the incident as "extremely horrifying" and said, "Despite repeated concerns being raised over the rampant illegal activities in the state, the government has failed to curb them, and it is solely the state government's responsibility that 18 people lost their lives after consuming spurious liquor."