Pune: Rohit Pawar and NCP (SP) Workers Vandalises Liquor Den After 14 Die in Suspected Spurious Liquor Tragedy

Pune, 29th May 2026: Amid outrage over the deaths of at least 14 persons allegedly linked to consumption of spurious liquor in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Friday visited one of the alleged liquor dens connected to the case and vandalised it along with party workers.

Police have arrested the alleged main accused, Yogesh Wankhede, in connection with the case. Investigators suspect methanol mixed in the liquor led to the deaths. Eight persons, including alleged liquor den operator Colonel Singh Virka, have been taken into custody so far.

During the visit, Rohit Pawar and party workers damaged the liquor counter and removed metal sheets installed at the premises. Speaking to reporters, Pawar alleged that authorities had failed to act effectively against illegal liquor operations.

“When the system does not work and the police administration fails, people are forced to send a message and take some matters into their own hands,” Pawar said. He also linked the issue to broader concerns regarding crimes against women and children, alleging selective action by authorities.

Earlier in the day, Pawar visited Sassoon General Hospital and met families affected by the incident.

Accusing the police of attempting to shield influential persons, Pawar claimed that one accused had “surrendered voluntarily” to prevent the investigation from reaching bigger players involved in the alleged racket.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said nobody involved in the case would be spared and promised strict action against all those responsible.

According to police, accused Yogesh Wankhede was involved in liquor distribution and allegedly mixed methanol into the alcohol while transporting it before supplying it to local vendors.