Maharashtra hooch horror: Police arrest suppliers after 8 deaths linked to toxic alcohol in Dapodi

A suspected spurious liquor tragedy in Maharashtra’s Pimpri-Chinchwad area has left eight people dead, triggering a major police crackdown on the illegal alcohol supply network operating in and around Dapodi. Police officials on Thursday confirmed that stringent charges, including culpable homicide, have been invoked against the accused as investigators attempt to trace the entire distribution chain behind the deadly liquor supply.

Addressing reporters, ACP Pimpri Sachin Hire said eight people died after allegedly consuming toxic liquor in Dapodi on Wednesday. He confirmed that five accused have been detained so far, while two individuals have been formally arrested in connection with the case.

“We have registered the case under stringent sections, including those for culpable homicide. Five accused have been nabbed by us so far, and we have formally arrested two of them. The supply chain is in our custody. An investigation is underway,” ACP Hire said.

According to police, one of the arrested accused identified as Wankhede allegedly acted as a middle-level link in the illegal liquor network, while another accused identified as Prajapati is suspected to have supplied the toxic mixture from Pune.

Police officials claimed the accused had allegedly prepared a “deadly combination” that may have led to the deaths. Samples of the seized liquor have been collected and are being sent for forensic examination to determine the exact chemical composition and presence of toxic substances.

“The two accused who have been formally arrested will be produced before the court. Everything is being investigated. We will unearth the entire supply chain,” the ACP added.

Authorities have not yet officially disclosed the identities of all the deceased. Several victims are believed to have fallen ill shortly after consuming the suspected liquor, following which they were rushed to hospitals. Eight people later succumbed during treatment or shortly after admission, according to preliminary information.

The incident has once again raised serious concerns over the continued circulation of illegal and spurious liquor in different parts of the country despite repeated crackdowns by law enforcement agencies. Maharashtra has witnessed several hooch tragedies in the past, with toxic alcohol often containing methanol or other dangerous chemicals leading to blindness, organ failure and death.

Police teams are currently conducting raids and examining possible links between suppliers, distributors and local sellers involved in the illegal operation. Investigators are also trying to establish whether the toxic liquor was manufactured locally or transported from another location.

Officials said further arrests are likely as the probe expands. The forensic reports are expected to play a crucial role in determining the exact cause of deaths and strengthening charges against the accused.

The case has sparked panic and anger in the area, with residents demanding stricter action against illegal liquor rackets operating in urban and semi-urban pockets of Maharashtra.