Political Outcry Follows Hooch Tragedy in Pune, Demands for Accountability Rise
Opposition, Mahayuti allies target police and excise department over hooch tragedy

Image: Hindustan Times
Following a hooch tragedy in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad that resulted in 16 fatalities, political parties, including the Congress, Shiv Sena, and BJP, have criticized the police and excise departments for negligence. Protests erupted, with demands for stricter action against illegal liquor operations and accountability for officials.
- 01Sixteen people died after consuming toxic alcohol in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad.
- 02Shiv Sena activists destroyed seven illegal liquor stalls, citing police inaction.
- 03BJP leaders called for immediate action against illegal liquor operators following the tragedy.
- 04Congress accused authorities of negligence and demanded a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe.
- 05Twenty-two officials from police and excise departments were suspended due to alleged negligence.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Political tensions have escalated in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad following a hooch tragedy that claimed 16 lives. Various political parties, including the opposition Congress and the ruling Mahayuti allies Shiv Sena and BJP, have targeted the police and excise departments for their failure to control the illicit liquor trade. Shiv Sena workers protested and demolished several illegal liquor stalls, arguing that authorities had neglected their duties. BJP leader Jagdish Mulik expressed regret over the deaths and urged immediate action against illegal operators. In response, Pune district guardian minister Sunetra Pawar directed law enforcement to crack down on illicit liquor activities. The Congress party held protests outside the State Excise Department, demanding accountability and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigation into the incident. Youth Congress members also protested, emphasizing administrative negligence. The situation intensified after 22 officials from the police and excise departments were suspended for their alleged failure to prevent the tragedy. Investigations are ongoing as political pressure mounts regarding this serious issue.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The hooch tragedy has sparked widespread protests and demands for accountability from local authorities.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What should be the priority following the hooch tragedy?
Connecting to poll...
More about Shiv Sena

Maha Vikas Aghadi Finalizes Seat Sharing for Maharashtra Legislative Council Elections
News 18 • May 30, 2026

Maharashtra's Mahayuti Alliance Delays Seat-Sharing Announcement Ahead of Legislative Council Elections
The Indian Express • May 30, 2026
Thane MPs Naresh Mhaske and Dr. Shrikant Shinde Win Sansad Ratna Award 2026
The Times Of India • May 24, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.




