Pune, August 6: In a significant development in the toxic liquor case in Maharashtra’s Pune, which claimed the lives of 21 individuals between May 27 and May 30, 2026, the State Crime Investigation Department (CID) has invoked the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, 1999 (MCOCA) against the mastermind and his gang.
The investigation revealed that the victims, including four from Hadapsar and 17 from Dapodi-Fugewadi, died after consuming toxic country-made liquor mixed with methanol.
The main accused, Dutta alias Bhau Bhivraw Londe, a resident of Pandharsthal, Uruli Kanchan (Taluka Haveli, Pune district), allegedly led a criminal gang that included Akash Deepak Jadhav, Yogesh Rajendra Whankade, Radheshyam Hariram Prajapati, Kalpesh Ashok Agarwal, Aryan Sanjeev Dhotre, Abhishek Arun Chaube, Arun Jagdamba Chaube, and Ankit Arun Chaube. This gang reportedly engaged in the illegal production, transportation, and sale of country-made liquor for financial gain.
According to the CID, the gang’s criminal activities created an atmosphere of fear, insecurity, and terror among the citizens of Pune district. The gang leader and his associates have several serious criminal cases registered against them. Despite previous preventive actions, their criminal activities did not cease, prompting the proposal to impose MCOCA to effectively curb organized crime and dismantle the entire network.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Shamaraw Kale reviewed all evidence and crime records and submitted a report through Superintendent of Police Shafqat Aamna to Special Inspector General of Police (Crime West) Sudhir Hiremath. After reviewing the case, Hiremath approved the application of MCOCA against the accused Dutta Londe and his associates.
This action, carried out under the guidance of Additional Director General of Police (CID) Sunil Ramanand, Special Inspector General of Police (Crime West) Sudhir Hiremath, and Superintendent of Police Shafqat Aamna, is seen as a significant step towards justice for the families of the 21 victims of this tragedy.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.