India, May 29 -- Police have intensified investigations into an alleged toxic liquor racket in Maharashtra's Pune district after more than 15 people died in the last 48 hours following the consumption of suspected methanol-laced alcohol.

According to officials, 13 deaths were reported from Pimpri Chinchwad's Phugewadi and Dapodi areas, while others died in Pune's Hadapsar and Kalepadal localities. Victims reportedly suffered severe dizziness, vomiting and abdominal pain shortly after consuming the liquor.

Post-mortem findings prompted police to register cases under sections related to culpable homicide and causing harm through poisonous substances under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Maharashtra Prohibition Act.

Police identified ...