Excise officials said many of these villages were located near Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad cities where there was easy access to water sources.

Pune: The state excise department has identified 25 villages having illegal liquor units in Pune district and issued notices to their gram panchayats directing them to stop such activities and immediately report any suspicious operations. The action comes after the recent hooch tragedy in Phugewadi (Pimpri Chinchwad) and Pandremala (Hadapsar), in which 20 people lost their lives between May 26 and 28.Confirming the move, state excise superintendent Atul Kanade said the notice sent through the Pune collectorate covered Sortapwadi, Kunjirwadi, Nandur (near Yavat), Rajewadi, Bhosalewadi and Apti in Shirur taluka, besides other villages. “Gram panchayats have been asked not to allow illegal liquor production in their jurisdiction and immediately alert the authorities or police if any such activity is detected. Contact numbers of excise officials have also been shared with residents to facilitate quick reporting,” he said.Excise officials said many of these villages were located near the cities of Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, with easy access to water sources, making them conducive to illicit liquor production. “Many units are located along the canal network, such as the Mutha Right Bank Canal or near rivers, which ensures stable water supply. Additionally, some units operate from isolated locations, including government-owned land, helping operators avoid enforcement,” an official said.Kanade said liquor produced in these areas was largely supplied to the slums of Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad as well as industrial centers like Chakan and Ranjangaon, where it was consumed by factory workers.However, a gram panchayat member from a village along the Pune-Solapur highway alleged that residents often face threats from people involved in illegal trade. The member said that some operators may have the support of some police personnel, making it difficult for local people to report such activities.Since May 28, the department has registered 142 cases and arrested 116 persons involved in illegal liquor manufacturing.Three patients recovered and returned homePCMC said all three patients admitted to the municipal corporation-run YCM hospital after consuming spurious liquor in the Phugewadi poisonous liquor case have fully recovered and have been discharged, adding that after being brought in a critical condition, they were given free treatment including intensive care, constant monitoring and medical check-up under expert supervision. PCMC Medical Officer Dr Laxman Gofen credited the timely intervention and prompt care for preventing complications and enabling his safe return home.