Pune, 30th May 2026: The Maharashtra Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has taken over the probe into the toxic liquor cases reported from Hadapsar and Phugewadi in Pune district after the incidents claimed 18 lives.
The Director General of Police transferred the investigation to the CID after taking serious note of the deaths caused by the consumption of poisonous liquor. Of the total victims, 12 people died in the Phugewadi incident, while six others lost their lives in Hadapsar.
The CID has begun the process of collecting all case-related documents, panchnamas, and investigation records from the local police. A special CID team will now conduct a detailed investigation to trace the origin of the toxic liquor, identify where it was manufactured, and uncover the network involved in the illegal trade.
Officials believe the CID probe will help reach the main masterminds behind the racket and expose the larger supply chain responsible for the tragedy.
The case has drawn comparisons with the 2017 Pangarmal toxic liquor tragedy in Ahilyanagar, where nine people died and several others lost their eyesight.
During that investigation, the CID had invoked the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA) against the organized gang involved in the illegal liquor business.
“The seriousness of the case led to the transfer of the investigation to the CID. The probe will be carried out using forensic and circumstantial evidence, and strict punishment will be ensured for all those responsible for the deaths of innocent citizens,” said Additional Director General of Police, CID, Sunil Ramanand.
