Thane FDA seizes toxic methanol linked to Pune hooch tragedy

Thane: The Thane FDA has seized nearly six tonnes of toxic methanol from a Bhiwandi facility, which investigators claim is linked to the supply chain behind the Pune fatal hooch incident that claimed several lives.

Thane FDA Joint Commissioner Bhushan Patil said investigations revealed the liquor was adulterated with the highly toxic chemical allegedly sourced from Rex International, which operates its corporate office from Navi Mumbai and has a warehouse at Mhatre Compound on Anjur Road in Val village, Bhiwandi. A joint inspection was conducted by 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. Further, the entire transaction of placing the order related to the Pune incident was apparently done through online social media without verifying the end use. Accordingly, we sealed the premises and seized the methanol stock to prevent its misuse,” Patil said.

The Narpoli police have booked the owners, Arun Choubey and Abhishek Choubey, under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Poisons Act, 1919, and the Maharashtra Poisons Rules, 1972. The duo presently are in the custody of the State Excise Department.

Meanwhile, the FDA said it has simultaneously issued a show-cause notice and initiated proceedings to cancel the firm’s licence under the relevant Poisons Act.

FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has ordered a stern crackdown on illegal methanol storage and supply networks following the Pune hooch tragedy.