Pune, May 30 -- At least 14 people have died and four others are battling for life after consuming alcohol laced with methanol across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad in the last 48 hours. The tragedy, which unfolded across the two cities, led to a swift crackdown on the network that supplied the alcohol, leading to the arrest of eight suspects across Thursday and Friday. Among those arrested is Yogesh Wankhede, a notorious bootlegger and history sheeter. Wankhede, at the heart of the illegal liquor supply chain, allegedly added methanol, a highly toxic industrial chemical, to the alcohol to enhance its potency. Instead, he turned it into a poisonous cocktail. Investigators say Wankhede was previously booked by the state excise department in cases relating to the distribution and sale of bootlegged liquor. The deaths took place in Phugewadi and Dapodi in Pimpri Chinchwad, and Hadapsar in Pune city. Ten deaths were reported in Phugewadi and Dapodi, while four people died in Hadapsar. Two other deaths, those of brothers Vijay Prakash Rathod, 31, and Rajendra Prakash Rathod, 34, are not currently counted as part of the liquor tragedy. However, investigators are examining the circumstances of their death because both reportedly displayed symptoms similar to those seen in other victims. Vijay Rathod allegedly worked with a movers and packers company. He took ill while on duty in Vishrantwadi on Wednesday afternoon and was admitted to Cantonment Hospital in Khadki by his colleagues. On Thursday morning, after learning of Vijay's death, Rajendra allegedly collapsed and was later declared dead at Aundh Hospital. Police have found striking similarities in symptoms among several victims. Many complained of dizziness, uneasiness and vision-related problems before collapsing. Several were foaming at the mouth, experienced breathing difficulties, and suffered a sudden drop in heart rate. Police said viscera samples of all the deceased have been sent for chemical analysis. Investigators said the toxic alcohol appears to have been manufactured by Radheshyam Prajapati in Uruli Kanchan, on the outskirts of Pune city. It was then given to Wankhede, who handles Prajapati's distribution network. State excise commissioner Atul Kanade said, "The alleged poisonous liquor was made by Prajapati in Uruli Kanchan and to make it strong, Wankhede mixed methanol in it and filled 24 drums and distributed it in Dapodi, Phugewadi and Hadapsar. We arrested him on Thursday and seized 18 drums of poisonous liquor." Sources in the state excise department said Wankhede is a lynchpin in the illegal liquor supply network operating in Hadapsar and Phugewadi. Here, two individuals - Karnelsingh Virka and his son Gurmangatsingh Virka - sold the bootlegged alcohol to local shops through home set-ups. State Excise Department Superintendent of Police Atul Kanade said three different locations were raided on Thursday. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said, "This is a very unfortunate incident. Eight people have been arrested immediately and more arrests may follow. We have identified the entire ecosystem behind this." He added, "It appears that a methanol-like substance was used in the preparation of the product." Deputy chief minister Sunetra Pawar called the deaths "extremely unfortunate" and instructed the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad police, excise officials and district administration to ensure that every individual involved in the sale of illegal liquor is brought to book....