Pune Toxic Liquor Tragedy: Why Were Illegal Brewing Units Allowed to Operate?

Pune, 30th May 2026: The deaths of 18 daily wage workers after allegedly consuming toxic country liquor in Hadapsar and Phugewadi have sparked widespread outrage and raised serious questions about the effectiveness of enforcement agencies in curbing illegal liquor operations in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.

Following the tragedy, police arrested nine people in connection with the case. However, residents and activists have criticised the action as a delayed response, arguing that authorities tend to act only after major incidents occur.

Illegal liquor brewing units, commonly known as Haat-bhattis, continue to operate in suburban areas, along riverbanks, and in isolated locations on the outskirts of Pune. These units allegedly use hazardous chemicals to manufacture liquor, posing a serious threat to public health.

Citizens have accused the police and the State Excise Department of failing to prevent the proliferation of such illegal networks. They claim that despite periodic raids and criminal cases, the illicit liquor trade often resumes within days at the same locations.

The incident has renewed calls for stringent action against liquor mafias. Residents have demanded the invocation of tough laws such as the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) and the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act (MPDA) against those involved in the illegal liquor trade.

Many believe that unless the organised networks responsible for the manufacture and distribution of toxic liquor are dismantled permanently, such tragedies will continue to claim innocent lives.