Pune, June 6: The tragic case of toxic liquor consumption in Pune, Maharashtra, has escalated, with the death toll now confirmed at 20. The State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is intensifying its investigation into the supply network of methanol linked to the incident, as eight other individuals remain hospitalized.
According to the CID, several people fell seriously ill after consuming toxic homemade liquor between May 26 and 28, 2026, in the Dapodi and Hadapsar police jurisdiction. Many were admitted to hospitals, where numerous victims succumbed to their ailments. In light of the severity of the situation, cases were registered at both Dapodi and Hadapsar police stations on May 29, invoking various sections of the Indian Penal Code, 2023, along with relevant provisions of the Maharashtra and Mumbai Prohibition Laws.
Initial investigations revealed that toxic chemicals had been mixed into the homemade liquor, resulting in 16 deaths in the Dapodi area and four in Hadapsar, bringing the total fatalities to 20. The health status of eight other individuals remains critical as they receive treatment in various hospitals.
During the investigation, two suspects, Arun Jagdamb Choubey (59) and Abhishek Arun Choubey (34), from Vashigaon, Navi Mumbai, were interrogated. Based on their statements, authorities inspected a warehouse belonging to REX International in Valgaon, Bhiwandi, which had previously been sealed by the Food and Administration Department.
Officials reopened the warehouse and collected samples from 39 drums with the assistance of forensic experts. These samples have been sent for chemical testing. The CID also seized a laptop and several important documents from the suspects’ office in Vashi. Additionally, details of bank accounts from ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank have been obtained to investigate financial transactions.
The investigation revealed that REX International had sent 215 liters of methanol to the main accused, Yogesh Vankhade, through Avinash Cargo Private Limited. Searches were conducted at the company office in Bhosari, and employee statements were recorded while necessary documents were confiscated.
Another accused, Irfan Nisar Qureshi (50), residing near Dapodi railway station, has been remanded to police custody until June 8. Aryan Sanjeev Dhotre (22) has also been arrested; he is believed to have played a significant role in the illegal homemade liquor trade in the Wadawadi area.
CID officials have also questioned Somnath Tatyaba Gawde, suspected of preparing fake Aadhaar cards, as they believe he may have been involved in concealing identities and creating counterfeit documents for the illegal operation.
The motorcycle used by the main accused, Yogesh Vankhade, for transporting the liquor has also been seized, along with a DVR recovered from the Fughewadi area. So far, police have confiscated five CCTV DVRs and hard disks to aid in investigating the activities of the accused and the entire network involved.