Overview
- A cluster of sudden deaths between May 26 and May 28 in Phugewadi‑Dapodi and Hadapsar left 15 people conclusively linked to methanol-laced illicit country liquor while several other deaths remain under verification.
- The Maharashtra Crime Investigation Department has taken charge of the criminal probe, arrested six suspects so far, and carried out coordinated raids and bookings across Pune and Pimpri‑Chinchwad.
- Police allege the prime accused procured over 200 litres of methanol through an online B2B supplier after claiming it was for perfume manufacture and that the chemical was mixed into diluted country liquor for resale.
- State agencies have suspended multiple excise and police officials for alleged negligence or contact with suspects, and the government has announced Rs 6 lakh in immediate aid for each bereaved family.
- Victims showed classic methanol poisoning signs such as blurred vision and kidney failure, families are demanding jobs and long-term support, and investigators are examining call records, finances and the methanol supply chain for possible collusion.