Pune, June 2: The investigation into the deaths caused by toxic alcohol consumption in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad has intensified. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has formed ten special investigation teams to delve deeper into the case. During the investigation, two suspects involved in the supply of methanol for producing the toxic alcohol have been identified, and questioning is ongoing.
According to police reports, several individuals died from consuming toxic homemade liquor between May 26 and May 28 in the Dapodi and Hadapsar police station areas. Two separate cases were registered on May 29, with one case filed under various sections and the Maharashtra Prohibition Act at the Dapodi police station.
The CID of Maharashtra State, Pune, has been assigned to investigate both cases, with ten teams working on different aspects of the inquiry. So far, six suspects have been arrested in the Dapodi case, and they are currently in police custody for questioning.
Meanwhile, the state excise department has also taken action, arresting three suspects: Akash Jadhav (Hadapsar), Irfan Nisar Qureshi (Pawar Wasti, Dapodi), and Aryan Sanjay Dhotre (Gokhalenagar). These suspects are also being processed for further investigation by the CID.
During the investigation, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Thane department has registered another case related to the Dapodi toxic alcohol incident at the Naroli police station in Thane city. Efforts are underway to connect the suspects from this case to the CID investigation.
Officials have reported that CCTV footage from various crime scenes, samples of the alcohol, and other crucial evidence have been seized and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Pune for scientific testing. The suspects’ mobile phones have also been confiscated, and digital analysis is ongoing.
According to investigation agencies, based on the evidence collected so far, two suspects supplying methanol have been identified, and inquiries are being conducted to gather information about the supply chain and other potential accomplices.