Pune police launch probe into suspected adulterated liquor after 13 deaths; one arrested in Pimpri-Chinchwad | Today’s news
According to ANI, the Pune City Police has launched an investigation into the suspected consumption of fake alcohol. The probe comes after Pune reported five deaths, including three from Kale Padal and two from Hadapsar, Hindustan Times reported, adding that eight people lost their lives in 24 hours in Phugewadi, Pimpri Chinchwad, with seven deaths reported on Thursday and one late on Wednesday night.
Four other residents from the area are currently being treated and remain in critical condition. Locals suspect that the deaths were caused by the consumption of adulterated alcohol, while police said the exact cause would be confirmed after the post-mortem and forensic reports are released.
The Pimpri-Chinchwad police also arrested Yogesh Wankhed, who was earlier detained by the state excise department in connection with the case. Authorities said the accused is suspected of supplying alcohol to both affected areas and his role is now being investigated as part of a possible hooch tragedy.
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Investigators believe that nearly 215 liters of methanol was added to the country-made liquor before it reached Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, as reported by HT. Methanol, an industrial chemical, is extremely poisonous and can be fatal even in low doses, in addition to causing blindness and severe organ damage.
According to HT sources, lax supervision over the sale and distribution of methanol may have played a role in the incident. Regulators, including the Food and Drug Administration, are expected to face investigations into the potential flaws.
“Preliminary investigations into the deaths reported in the Phugewadi-Dapodi area indicate that each case appears to be independent in nature. Statements from family members suggest that four of the deceased had no history of consuming alcohol, while one person was known to be a habitual drinker,” police quoted HT as saying.
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They added: “Based on the information available so far, it would be premature to link these deaths to any single cause. The exact cause of death will be determined upon receipt of post-mortem and medical examination reports. We ask the public not to believe or spread rumours. A detailed investigation is underway.”
Pune Police issues bans till June 8
Meanwhile, the Pune City Police on Tuesday imposed bans under Section 37(1)(3) of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951 across the city from May 26 to June 8 in view of Bakri Eid and other upcoming festivals, according to an official order issued by the Special Branch, according to ANI.
The directive issued by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Branch) Dr. Prashant Avasakar, states that political parties and social organizations often organize rallies, protests, demonstrations, bandh calls and hunger strikes on various public issues, which could lead to possible disruption of public order.
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Police said the restrictions were imposed to maintain public peace, ensure security and prevent any disruption of law and order within the limits of the Pune City Police Commissionerate.
The ordinance prohibits the carrying of weapons, explosives, flammable materials, clubs, swords, firearms, or any object likely to cause physical harm during the curfew.
The directive also prohibits the display of provocative slogans, public speeches or acts designed to incite riots, the use of loud musical instruments, the burning or display of effigies, and the dissemination of objectionable posters, signs or symbols that could affect social harmony or public decency.
