The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that methanol adulteration was the primary cause of the hooch tragedy that killed 18 people in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, with authorities seizing nearly 6 tonnes of the toxic chemical from premises linked to a firm called Shri Rex International. The breakthrough came after coordinated raids on the company's office in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, and a warehouse in Bhiwandi, where 5,929 kilograms of methanol was allegedly stored without proper documentation.

How the Tragedy Unfolded

Deaths were first reported across the Phugewadi, Dapodi, and Hadapsar areas of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. According to investigators, the victims had allegedly consumed illicit liquor at the residence of Karnal Singh Virka in the Phugewadi area. The liquor was reportedly sold for as little as ₹30 per bottle — a price point that reflects the deeply adulterated and unregulated nature of the product.

The supply chain, as reconstructed by investigators, ran through multiple intermediaries. A man identified as Yogesh Wankhede allegedly sourced the liquor from Raju Prajapati of Urali Kanchan before distributing it further. The methanol used in the adulteration was subsequently traced to Shri Rex International.

The Raids and What Was Found

Acting on information provided by the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad police, FDA officials from the Thane division, led by Drug Inspector Yogendra and assisted by local police, raided the company's warehouse at Anant & Co., Gala No. 544/A, Mhatre Compound, Anjur Road, Valgaon, Bhiwandi. Authorities recovered 5,929 kilograms of methanol — close to six tonnes.

Critically, investigators reportedly found no stock registers or mandatory documentation on the premises. Officials stated that the company had allegedly failed to maintain records required under the Poisons Act, raising serious concerns about regulatory compliance. The entire stock was seized and sealed to prevent further misuse.

Arrests and Legal Action

The company's proprietor, Arun Kumar Chaubey, and authorised representative Abhishek Arun Kumar Chaubey, were not present at the warehouse during the raid. Officials later confirmed that both had already been taken into custody by the State Excise Department. A complaint has been lodged at Narpoli Police Station in Bhiwandi against the two men, and a case has been registered against them.

The FDA has issued a show-cause notice and initiated proceedings to cancel Shri Rex International's operating licence under the provisions of the Poisons Act. Both the office in Vashi and the Bhiwandi warehouse have been sealed.

FDA Commissioner's Response

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe ordered immediate action after evidence pointed to methanol adulteration. Speaking on the crackdown, Mundhe said the administration would show no leniency toward any individual or organisation found endangering public health. He emphasised that access to safe food and medicines is a fundamental right of every citizen and assured strict enforcement of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, along with other applicable laws.

Wider Investigation Underway

Authorities believe the swift seizure may have prevented another large-scale tragedy. The operation has exposed what officials describe as an alleged nexus between illicit liquor suppliers and entities involved in the storage and distribution of methanol. Investigators are now examining whether similar illegal liquor manufacturing and distribution networks are operating elsewhere in Maharashtra, and efforts are underway to identify all individuals connected to the supply chain responsible for the deaths.