MCOCA Invoked Against Liquor Syndicate Behind Pune Tragedy That Killed 22, Chargesheet Filed

Pune, 30th October 2026: The state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Wednesday filed a chargesheet against nine arrested accused in the Hadapsar-Dapodi toxic liquor tragedy, which claimed 22 lives between May 26 and 28 this year. One suspect is still absconding, and a special team has been formed to trace him.

The chargesheet was filed before the special court designated under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), under which provisions were invoked against the accused in August 2026.

CID additional director general of police Sunil Ramanand said the investigation exposed an illegal liquor supply chain involving the procurement of illicit liquor, methanol adulteration and distribution through local sellers.

The liquor was allegedly procured from Radheshyam Prajapati in Uruli Kanchan and adulterated with methanol by Yogesh Ramchandra Vhankade alias Sikandar Rathod before being supplied to local vendors.

Investigators also traced the methanol supply to a company’s warehouse in Bhiwandi. CID raided the warehouse and the company’s office in Navi Mumbai and arrested its owner Arun Choubey (59) and his son Abhishek (34) for their alleged role in the illegal supply.

The agency also arrested other accused linked to the supply chain and sale of the toxic liquor.

Datta alias Bhau Londhe, identified as the syndicate’s alleged leader involved in manufacturing, transporting and selling illicit liquor, has also been arrested, Ramanand said.

The Hadapsar and Dapodi police had initially registered separate cases following the deaths. The state government subsequently transferred the investigation to the CID.

The agency has invoked MCOCA against the nine arrested accused and the absconding suspect. A special team is currently searching for the latter.