Police will trace source of every single drop of illicit liquor: Pune CP

Pune: Police would trace the source of every single drop of illicit liquor found in the city and take strict action against those responsible for it, said Pune CP Amitesh Kumar.

“If the liquor comes from the jurisdiction of any other police station or district, our teams will directly reach the location and take action. We will destroy liquor dens and illegal production units,” he said.

Against the backdrop of the hooch tragedy, Pune commissioner of police (CP) Kumar convened a special meeting of senior officers on Tuesday evening. A comprehensive action plan was formulated to dismantle the networks involved in the sale, transportation and supply of illegal liquor. Specific responsibilities have been assigned to various police units and the focus would be on destroying the entire supply chain rather than limiting action to minor offenders.

Investigations revealed that a significant portion of the illicit liquor sold in the city came from the Pune rural areas. As a result, the police decided to trace the supply chain back to its source.

The police will take strict action against the owners of vehicles transporting illicit liquor and all other individuals involved in the supply chain. Information regarding vehicles seized in illicit liquor transportation cases is being compiled. Details have been sought from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and the state excise department.

A total of 988 cases of illicit liquor were registered in 2021, while 690 cases were recorded in 2022. The number increased to 1,451 in 2023 and 1,716 cases in 2024. In 2025, as many as 1,786 illicit liquor cases were regsitered.

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One more death

A 27-year-old man died on Tuesday in Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital (YCMH) in Pimpri, taking the spurious liquor toll up to 18.

The victim was being treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital. Four others are undergoing treatment in the YCMH, said an officer from the Pimpri Chinchwad police.

Another victim was discharged from Sassoon General Hospital on Tuesday, the police said.