The Pimpri Chinchwad police have intensified their crackdown on illegal liquor operations, raiding over 50 locations and dismantling numerous illicit dens and shops. This action follows a series of deaths caused by spurious liquor in the Phugewadi and Khadki areas since last Thursday.
Massive Raids and Seizures
Between Friday and Saturday, the police registered 16 cases and seized liquor and raw materials collectively valued at approximately Rs 11 lakh. Most of the raided illegal liquor dens were situated on the outskirts of Pimpri Chinchwad, particularly in the Maval and Khed talukas. Authorities noted that women primarily operated these dens.
An officer from the Pimpri Chinchwad crime branch stated, "During the raids, some women fled the spot. We are searching for them. We have also detained a few women and issued notices to them."
Police Commissioner's Directives
Pimpri Chinchwad police commissioner Vinoy Kumar Choubey has instructed all police stations and the crime branch to take stringent action against illegal liquor suppliers and sellers across the twin cities. Officers in charge of every police station have been directed to compile a list of illegal liquor dens and shops. Manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and shop owners are all under scrutiny.
Focus Areas and Modus Operandi
During the weekend drive, the police concentrated their efforts on slum pockets and riverbeds, raiding numerous such locations. An officer from the Pimpri Chinchwad police revealed that most of these spots were in Shirgaon and Parandwadi in Maval taluka, and Alandi, Chakan, and Mhalunge in Khed taluka.
"To avoid being caught by the police, these liquor manufacturers frequently change locations. Women from their families operate the manufacturing units, while male members are involved in the supply chain," the officer explained.
Illegal liquor is brought into the city in the early morning hours and supplied to shops in slum pockets. In Phugewadi, the accused Karnail Singh Virka used to receive cans of liquor early in the morning, as witnessed by many area residents and reported to the police. "His neighbours claimed that customers, mainly from the working class, used to visit Virka's house," the officer added.
Recent Raids and Deaths
Between Friday and Saturday, the Pimpri Chinchwad police conducted raids in Shirgaon and Dehu Road in Maval taluka, Hinjewadi in Mulshi taluka, Nighoje, Bahul, and Mhalunge in Khed taluka, as well as Bavdhan, Pimpri, and Alandi.
Two More Deaths Reported
On Saturday, two more men died due to the consumption of spurious liquor. Rajendra Tappo (36) of Phugewadi and Mahendra Ovhal (58) of Dapodi, who were undergoing treatment at different hospitals, succumbed. Tappo, originally from Chhattisgarh, had arrived in Pune about six months ago seeking work. He is survived by his wife and their four-year-old son. He was admitted to the district hospital in Sangvi. An officer confirmed that he had consumed liquor from the shop in Phugewadi.
Ovhal was being treated at a private hospital in Pune. The post-mortem report confirmed that he had consumed liquor, police said.
Nine Still Hospitalized
An officer from the Pimpri Chinchwad police informed that nine individuals who consumed the spurious liquor are currently undergoing treatment at various hospitals. "The condition of two of them is critical. Though the state CID has taken over the investigation, we are monitoring the health status of the patients," the officer stated.
