Pune, 30th May 2026: The toxic liquor tragedy has claimed 22 lives so far, triggering major action against officials accused of negligence. The deaths have been reported from Pune city, Pimpri-Chinchwad and now Uruli Kanchan, raising concerns over the spread of illegal and poisonous liquor dens.
In Hadapsar area, two more persons from Pandharewadi died after allegedly consuming toxic liquor. With this, the death toll in Pune city has reached seven, while Pimpri-Chinchwad has recorded 14 deaths. Another victim from Uruli Kanchan has pushed the total toll to 22.
The latest victim has been identified as 32-year-old auto-rickshaw driver Umesh Avchar from Uruli Kanchan. According to officials, he was undergoing treatment at a private hospital when he died.
Before his death, he reportedly suffered blurred vision, nausea, breathing distress and frothing from the mouth.
Investigators suspect that Avchar had consumed liquor from a local den in the same area where accused Radheyshyam Prajapati allegedly manufactured the spurious liquor. Officials believe the incident indicates that the toxic liquor network had spread beyond Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad into nearby rural areas as well.
Meanwhile, the administration has initiated strict action against officials over alleged lapses in duty. A total of 22 personnel from the police and state excise department have been suspended in connection with the case.
The suspended officials include three personnel from Pune Police, six from Pimpri-Chinchwad Police and 13 officers and staff members from the State Excise Department. Among them are inspectors, sub-inspectors and other employees.
Authorities said the suspensions were ordered after allegations of negligence and failure to act against the illegal liquor trade operating in Hadapsar and Pimpri-Chinchwad’s Fugewadi area, where several deaths were reported.
