Pune: Two More Arrested in Toxic Country Liquor Case Linked to 21 Deaths
Pune, 26th August 2026: Two more people have been arrested in connection with the sale of toxic country-made liquor that allegedly resulted in the deaths of 21 people in Hadapsar and Dapodi. A special MCOCA court has remanded the two accused in police custody till September 1.
The court, in its order, observed that the case involved a wider conspiracy and that custodial interrogation of the accused was necessary for a detailed investigation.
The arrested accused have been identified as Aryan Sanjeev Dhotre (24) and Kalpesh Ashok Agrawal (29). The case, registered at Hadapsar police station, has been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Maharashtra Prohibition Act and the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).
According to the investigation, an organised gang allegedly mixed toxic chemicals such as methanol in illicit country-made liquor for financial gain and sold it. The investigating agency has claimed that consumption of the toxic liquor led to the deaths of 21 people from Hadapsar and Dapodi, while several others fell seriously ill.
The alleged gang leader, Datta alias Bhau Bhimrao Londhe, remains absconding, while police are yet to arrest some other accused.
Public prosecutor Nitin Konghe argued that investigators need to establish where the accused procured methanol and other chemicals, where the toxic liquor was manufactured, how it was distributed and how the proceeds from its sale were utilised.
Investigators will also examine the accused’s bank transactions, movable and immovable properties, vehicles allegedly used in the crime and the links between members of the organised gang.
Considering the seriousness of the offence and the scope of the investigation, in-charge special judge H M Bhosale remanded the two accused in police custody till September 1.
The investigation is being conducted by Rajendra Maske, additional superintendent of police, Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
