CID files MCOCA chargesheet against nine in Pune hooch deaths that killed 22

Pune: The Maharashtra Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has filed a chargesheet against nine arrested accused in the case of 22 deaths after people drank methanol-laced liquor in Hadapsar and Dapodi. The chargesheet was submitted in the special court constituted under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

The CID said one accused is still absconding. A special team has been formed to trace the person, and the search is on.

Sunil Ramanand, Additional Director General of Police, CID, said MCOCA provisions have been invoked against all nine arrested accused and the absconding suspect.

The investigation found that the illicit liquor was sourced from Radheshyam Prajapati of Uruli Kanchan. Yogesh Ramchandra Wankade, alias Sikandar Rathod, is alleged to have mixed methanol into it. The adulterated liquor was then sold through local vendors in Hadapsar and Dapodi.

The probe also found that the methanol was delivered through a middleman from a company's warehouse in Bhiwandi. Acting on this lead, the CID raided the Bhiwandi warehouse and the company's office in Navi Mumbai. The company's owner, Arun Choubey (59), and his son Abhishek (34) were arrested. Some other people allegedly involved in the methanol supply chain have also been arrested.

The deaths occurred between May 26 and 28, when 22 people died after drinking the poisonous liquor in Hadapsar and Dapodi. Separate cases were initially registered at the Hadapsar and Dapodi police stations. The state government later handed the investigation to the CID.

The CID had invoked MCOCA provisions in the case in August 2026. According to the investigation, the alleged kingpin of the gang involved in the illegal production, transport and sale of the liquor is Datta, alias Bhau Londhe. Ramanand said the CID has already arrested Londhe.