Pimpri Chinchwad, 4th June 2026: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) on Thursday launched a demolition drive against an illegal residential structure in Phugewadi owned by Karnail Singh Virka, who is among those arrested in the illicit liquor case linked to multiple deaths in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad.
The action was taken at Sanjaynagar slum, where the 875 sq ft structure is located. Investigators believe the premises was being used for the storage and sale of illicit liquor, and suspect that some of the victims who died after consuming methanol-contaminated alcohol had sourced it from the location.
The demolition was undertaken by PCMC’s Slum Rehabilitation and Removal Department with support from the H Ward office after occupants were served a 24-hour notice to remove the illegal structure.
As the house was located in a congested slum pocket inaccessible to heavy machinery, civic teams used drill machines, gas cutters and manual labour to carry out the operation. Around 40 workers, four breakers and two gas cutters were deployed for the demolition.
The demolition was carried out amid heavy police presence. Police Commissioner Vinoy Kumar Choubey visited the site and reviewed the operation. Security arrangements were supervised by DCP Sandeep Atole and ACP Sachin Hire, with 10 police officers, 50 personnel and 20 Maharashtra Security Force (MSF) jawans deployed at the spot.
PCMC Commissioner Vijay Suryawanshi said the civic body would continue taking action against unauthorised constructions on municipal land and in slum areas.
“Any illegal structure that obstructs planned development or rehabilitation projects will face action as per law. Citizens should avoid unauthorised construction and adhere to civic regulations,” he said.
The post Pune Hooch Tragedy: PCMC Demolishes Key Accused’s House in Phugewadi Crackdown appeared first on Punekar News.
