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Junior Officers Suspended, But Why Is Senior SP Atul Kanade Spared? Who Bears the Real Responsibility for the Liquor Tragedy That Claimed 17 Lives?
Pune: So far, 17 innocent citizens have lost their lives in a horrific toxic liquor tragedy spanning the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad areas. Although the State Excise Department has suspended 13 junior officers in connection with this case, no action has yet been taken against the department's overall head, Superintendent Atul Kanade. This situation has sparked a major controversy.
Illegal liquor dens had been operating for years in the areas of Fugewadi, Dapodi, Gokhalenagar, and Hadapsar. Despite repeated complaints from local citizens, the Excise Department completely turned a blind eye to the matter. Seventeen people ultimately paid the price for this negligence with their lives.
Following the revelation of the liquor tragedy, the administration initiated hasty action. Three inspectors, six sub-inspectors, and four constables within the department were suspended. However, no action was taken against Atul Kanade, who serves as the head of this entire administrative machinery. The administrative charge for both Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad cities currently rests solely with Atul Kanade. Notably, despite a separate post for a Superintendent for Pimpri-Chinchwad having been sanctioned since November 2025, it had been left vacant.
The Youth Congress staged a protest outside the Excise Department's office, demanding immediate action against Atul Kanade. Questions are now being raised: "Are junior officers merely being made scapegoats? Are senior officers being shielded?"
In the wake of this incident, the eyes of the entire state are now fixed on the role played by Atul Kanade. Citizens and opposition parties alike are asking whether accountability ends with merely taking action against junior staff, or if the senior officers overseeing the entire administrative machinery should also be subjected to an inquiry.
Pune: So far, 17 innocent citizens have lost their lives in a horrific toxic liquor tragedy spanning the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad areas. Although the State Excise Department has suspended 13 junior officers in connection with this case, no action has yet been taken against the department's overall head, Superintendent Atul Kanade. This situation has sparked a major controversy.
Illegal liquor dens had been operating for years in the areas of Fugewadi, Dapodi, Gokhalenagar, and Hadapsar. Despite repeated complaints from local citizens, the Excise Department completely turned a blind eye to the matter. Seventeen people ultimately paid the price for this negligence with their lives.
Following the revelation of the liquor tragedy, the administration initiated hasty action. Three inspectors, six sub-inspectors, and four constables within the department were suspended. However, no action was taken against Atul Kanade, who serves as the head of this entire administrative machinery. The administrative charge for both Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad cities currently rests solely with Atul Kanade. Notably, despite a separate post for a Superintendent for Pimpri-Chinchwad having been sanctioned since November 2025, it had been left vacant.
The Youth Congress staged a protest outside the Excise Department's office, demanding immediate action against Atul Kanade. Questions are now being raised: "Are junior officers merely being made scapegoats? Are senior officers being shielded?"
In the wake of this incident, the eyes of the entire state are now fixed on the role played by Atul Kanade. Citizens and opposition parties alike are asking whether accountability ends with merely taking action against junior staff, or if the senior officers overseeing the entire administrative machinery should also be subjected to an inquiry.
Illegal liquor dens had been operating for years in the areas of Fugewadi, Dapodi, Gokhalenagar, and Hadapsar. Despite repeated complaints from local citizens, the Excise Department completely turned a blind eye to the matter. Seventeen people ultimately paid the price for this negligence with their lives.
Following the revelation of the liquor tragedy, the administration initiated hasty action. Three inspectors, six sub-inspectors, and four constables within the department were suspended. However, no action was taken against Atul Kanade, who serves as the head of this entire administrative machinery. The administrative charge for both Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad cities currently rests solely with Atul Kanade. Notably, despite a separate post for a Superintendent for Pimpri-Chinchwad having been sanctioned since November 2025, it had been left vacant.
The Youth Congress staged a protest outside the Excise Department's office, demanding immediate action against Atul Kanade. Questions are now being raised: "Are junior officers merely being made scapegoats? Are senior officers being shielded?"
In the wake of this incident, the eyes of the entire state are now fixed on the role played by Atul Kanade. Citizens and opposition parties alike are asking whether accountability ends with merely taking action against junior staff, or if the senior officers overseeing the entire administrative machinery should also be subjected to an inquiry.
