India, May 31 -- A day after the hooch tragedy claimed 16 lives, as many as 22 officials from the Pune city police, Pimpri-Chinchwad police and state excise department were suspended for alleged negligence and failure to curb the illicit liquor trade. The action comes amid mounting criticism over lapses that allegedly allowed the illegal liquor network to operate unchecked.

The deaths were reported from Phugewadi, Dapodi and Hadapsar areas under the jurisdictions of the Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune city police commissionerates. Preliminary investigations have indicated that the victims consumed liquor allegedly contaminated with toxic methanol, leading to multiple deaths and hospitalisations.

Following an internal inquiry, the Pune police ...