A minimum of 13 people have died separately in incidents connected to suspected spurious liquor use in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, leading to panic and a huge investigation by a number of agencies. Several others victims are still in serious condition and forensic experts are analysing samples of the alcohol seized, authorities said.
Eight people died in 24 hours in Pimpri-Chinchwad’s Phugewadi neighbourhood, seven on Thursday and one late Wednesday night. Four people who live in the same community are being treated in hospital. Meanwhile, five more deaths were reported in Pune city with three in Kale Padal and two in Hadapsar.
Witnesses stated that the deceased had been drinking illegal liquor from a few hours before their deaths by the family members or the nearby residents. Investigators said that many victims had symptoms such as dizziness, difficulty breathing, frothing at their mouths, rapid worsening of their heart rate and sudden uneasiness and deteriorating condition before falling, loud snores and breathing pauses before falling collapse.
Traces of alcohol were found in at least one body, police officials said, but they could not conclude anything till after post mortem and forensic reports have been done. The incident is suspected to be related to the larger illegal liquor manufacturing and distribution chain prevalent in Pune district.
The investigation has now turned to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) bootlegger Yogesh Wankhede, who is said to have criminal antecedents. Police raided various places involved in the supply chain and arrested several suspects for questioning.
Police, excise department and forensic labs are collaborating to determine the exact composition of the liquor and investigations are being conducted to identify the distributors in the network.
But, according to the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police, “Initial investigations shows that all the deaths may not have been caused due to the same reason as some of the deceased were reportedly not alcoholics.” The authorities advised people to not panic as investigations are ongoing.