Thane FDA Seizes Nearly Six Tonnes of Toxic Methanol in Bhiwandi Raid
In a major breakthrough, the Thane Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seized approximately six tonnes of toxic methanol from a facility in Bhiwandi. Investigators have confirmed that this stock is linked to the supply chain responsible for the deadly Pune hooch tragedy, which resulted in multiple fatalities.
Details of the Seizure
According to Thane FDA Joint Commissioner Bhushan Patil, the investigation revealed that the adulterated liquor contained highly toxic methanol allegedly sourced from Rex International. The company operates its corporate office from Navi Mumbai and maintains a warehouse at Mhatre Compound on Anjur Road in Val village, Bhiwandi. A joint inspection was conducted by the FDA at the warehouse late Friday.
“The teams found 36 PVC drums and three chemical carboys containing the toxic chemical, collectively weighing 5,929 kg and valued at ₹3.6 lakh. The stock was stored without complying with mandatory licensing and safety regulations prescribed under the Poisons Act and Maharashtra Poisons Rules, even though the company is a registered licensee. Furthermore, the entire transaction related to the Pune incident was apparently conducted through online social media without verifying the end use. Accordingly, we sealed the premises and seized the methanol stock to prevent its misuse,” Patil stated.
Legal Action and Investigation
The Narpoli police have registered a case against the owners, Arun Choubey and Abhishek Choubey, under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Poisons Act of 1919, and the Maharashtra Poisons Rules of 1972. The duo are currently in the custody of the State Excise Department.
In addition, the FDA has issued a show-cause notice to the firm and initiated proceedings to cancel its license under the Poisons Act. FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has ordered a stern crackdown on illegal methanol storage and supply networks in the wake of the Pune hooch tragedy.
