In Maharashtra, death toll in the Pune spurious liquor tragedy has risen to 21. The victims include seven people from Pune city and 14 from the Pimpri-Chinchwad and Uruli Kanchan areas. So far, ten people have been arrested in connection with the case.

The investigation has been handed over to the Crime Investigation Department (CID). In a major administrative action, 22 officials have been suspended for alleged negligence in the discharge of their duties. Those suspended include nine police personnel and 13 officials from the State Excise Department.

Meanwhile, the state’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized around 6,000 kilograms of methanol from a warehouse belonging to Rex International in Bhiwandi. The company is suspected of supplying chemicals used by illicit liquor manufacturers.

According to officials, the company failed to maintain any records or accounts detailing the purchase, storage, or distribution of methanol, a highly hazardous chemical. The seizure was carried out as part of the ongoing investigation into the tragedy.