Methanol-Laced Liquor Kills 18 In Pune: What Makes Illicit Alcohol So Deadly?
Methanol-Laced Liquor Kills 18 In Pune: What Makes Illicit Alcohol So Deadly? Published By, Last Updated: May 29, 2026, 16:31 IST Eight people, including a
Methanol-Laced Liquor Kills 18 In Pune: What Makes Illicit Alcohol So Deadly? Published By, Last Updated: May 29, 2026, 16:31 IST Eight people, including a key bootlegger, have been arrested so far in connection with the case. Rapid Read The tragedy has renewed concerns over the illegal liquor trade, which continues to operate in several parts of the country Illicit Liquor Case In Pune: Police have intensified investigation into an illicit liquor network in the Pune district after 18 people died in the last 48 hours following the consumption of methanol-laced alcohol. According to police, several people in Pune’s Hadapsar area and Pimpri Chinchwad’s Phugewadi locality died after allegedly consuming spurious liquor suspected to be mixed with methanol. Eight people, including a key bootlegger, have been arrested so far, news agency PTI reported.
Meanwhile, autopsy and forensic reports are awaited to confirm the exact cause of death. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis termed the incident as “very serious", and said more persons are likely to be arrested as the “entire ecosystem" involved in the supply of spurious liquor has been identified. Seven persons died in the Phugewadi area of Pimpri Chinchwad, while five others died in the Pandhare Mala area of Pune’s Hadapsar after consuming suspected spurious liquor. Three men suspected of consuming toxic liquor are undergoing treatment at a hospital in Pimpri Chinchwad, the police said. A pall of gloom descended in the Phugewadi and Hadapsar areas following the deaths. The suspected hooch tragedy has once again highlighted the deadly risks linked to illicit liquor and methanol poisoning. What Is Illicit Liquor?
Alcohol produced in an uncontrolled environment such as an open field or at home with low or zero safety standards that is intended for purposes of sale, without any authorisation, is termed as illicit liquor. Experts say that such liquor may contain dangerous chemicals, toxic contaminants or industrial alcohol not meant for human consumption. Methanol-laced alcohol is one of the most dangerous forms of illicit liquor. Methanol, a toxic form of alcohol, is sometimes illegally mixed into liquor to increase its strength at a lower cost. Even small quantities can cause blindness, organ failure and death. In many cases, bootleggers use unsafe methods to produce alcohol quickly and cheaply. Toxic substances may also enter the liquor during the fermentation or mixing process. There are concerns over the illegal liquor trade, which continues to operate in several parts of the country despite periodic crackdowns by police and excise departments.
Health experts warn that illicit alcohol can be especially dangerous because consumers often cannot distinguish it from regular liquor by taste, smell or appearance until symptoms begin to appear. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: May 29, 2026, 16:31 IST News india Methanol-Laced Liquor Kills 18 In Pune: What Makes Illicit Alcohol So Deadly? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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