MUMBAI, June 5 -- Against the backdrop of the Pune hooch tragedy that claimed 20 lives, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cancelled the licence of Rex International, the company accused of supplying methanol stock that was allegedly diverted to bootleggers for the manufacture of spurious liquor. The action is part of a wider crackdown on the methanol supply chain across Maharashtra. The FDA has ordered inspections of all 937 operational firms holding methanol licences in the state, with the exercise expected to be completed within the next seven days. Officials said the drive aims to identify regulatory violations and prevent the diversion of industrial methanol for illicit liquor production. The decision was taken following directions from FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe after police investigations revealed that the toxic methanol used in the illicit liquor had allegedly been sourced from Rex International, a company operating from Vashi with a warehouse in Bhiwandi. According to FDA officials, Maharashtra has 988 firms holding licences related to methanol. Of these, 51 are currently non-operational. Inspections have begun at the remaining 937 establishments. "Inspection of 227 establishments has already been completed and the rest are expected to be completed within the next seven days," a senior FDA official said. The FDA on Thursday said stringent action would be initiated against firms found violating laws and regulations. "Strict action will be taken against firms found violating laws and regulations. Serious violations will attract legal notices and prosecution," the FDA said in a statement. The regulator added that it remains committed to protecting public health and cracking down on illegal pharmaceutical and chemical activities. Meanwhile, criminal cases have been registered against those allegedly involved in the illicit liquor racket. An FIR was lodged at the Dapodi police station in Pimpri Chinchwad and another at the Hadapsar police station in Pune city under Sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 123 (causing hurt by means of harmful substances with intent to commit a crime), 110, 125, 275 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, as well as Sections 65(E), 68, 81 and 83 of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act....