Pune/Pimpri-Chinchwad, 29th May 2026: A suspected hooch tragedy has claimed at least 15 lives across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, triggering panic and outrage in the region. Several others who allegedly consumed the same liquor are undergoing treatment at hospitals, with some reported to be in serious condition. Officials fear the death toll may increase.
Initial investigations suggest that the victims consumed illegally brewed country liquor allegedly prepared using industrial alcohol and other toxic substances in the Hadapsar area. Authorities suspect the spurious liquor was supplied to multiple locations, including Hadapsar and Phugewadi, resulting in fatalities in both Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
Those who lost their lives in Pune have been identified as Rahul Sharad Kshirsagar (45), Vijay Bhukurlal Sharma (45), Arun Dadar, Ashok Ramesh Chavan, and one unidentified person.
The deceased from Pimpri-Chinchwad include Pandurang Sadashiv Phuge (57), Vijay Prakash Rathod (31), Rajendra Prakash Rathod (34), Rajendra Rajput (51), Akbar Pathan (52), Anand Desai (53), and Ananda Nikalje (35), among others.
Police and State Excise Department officials have launched a large-scale investigation into the incident. Yogesh Wankhede, who allegedly has a history of offences registered with the State Excise Department, has emerged as the main accused in the case, according to investigators.
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