The authorities have launched a probe focused on methanol-laced liquor following the death of eight persons in and around Pune in 24 hours, officials said on Friday (May 29, 2026).
The deaths were reported from the Phugewadi area of Pimpri Chinchwad and Pune’s Hadapsar on Thursday (May 28), they said.
According to the excise department, a bootlegger who allegedly supplied country liquor to these areas has been detained, and a case has been registered against him at Dapodi police station.
The Pimpri Chinchwad police said five persons from the Phugewadi area died on Thursday (May 28). Though they initially said that four of the five deaths were not linked to liquor consumption, an investigation has now been launched into all the deaths, an official said.
An official from the Hadapsar police station said three persons died in localities under their jurisdiction. “The deceased had complained of abdominal pain. The exact cause of death and the possible poisonous liquor angle are being investigated,” he said.
Speaking to PTI, State Excise Commissioner Atul Kanade said the department has launched a probe following the deaths in Phugewadi.
“We detained one Yogesh Wankhede, who had supplied liquor to both Phugewadi and Hadapsar. He has been handed over to the Pimpri Chinchwad police, and they are taking further action,” Mr. Kanade added.
Published – May 29, 2026 12:33 pm IST
