CID Files MCOCA Chargesheet Against Nine Accused in Pune Spurious Liquor Deaths Case
Pune, 31st October 2026: The Maharashtra Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Wednesday filed a chargesheet against nine accused arrested in connection with the deaths of 22 people who consumed methanol-laced liquor in Hadapsar and Dapodi. The chargesheet was submitted before a special court designated under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).
The CID is continuing its search for one absconding accused and has formed a special team to trace him.
According to the investigation, the illegal liquor was procured from Radheshyam Prajapati of Uruli Kanchan. Yogesh Ramchandra Vhankade, alias Sikandar Rathod, allegedly mixed methanol with the liquor. The adulterated liquor was subsequently sold through local vendors in Hadapsar and Dapodi.
The investigation further revealed that methanol was supplied through an intermediary from a company’s warehouse in Bhiwandi. Following this lead, the CID raided the warehouse and the company’s office in Navi Mumbai. Company owner Arun Chaubey (59) and his son Abhishek (34) were arrested. Other individuals allegedly involved in the methanol supply chain were also arrested.
The incident occurred between May 26 and 28, when 22 people died after consuming the toxic liquor in Hadapsar and Dapodi. Initially, separate cases were registered at Hadapsar and Dapodi police stations. The state government subsequently transferred the investigation to the CID.
CID Additional Director General of Police Sunil Ramanand said MCOCA provisions had been invoked against all nine arrested accused and the absconding suspect. The search for the latter is continuing.
The CID invoked MCOCA provisions in the case in August 2026. The investigation also revealed that Datta alias Bhau Londhe was allegedly heading the gang involved in the illegal manufacture, transportation and sale of liquor. Ramanand said Londhe had been arrested by the CID.
