PCMC demolishes illegal residential structure linked to hooch tragedy accused in Phugewadi

Pune: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) on Thursday began demolishing an unauthorised house in Phugewadi belonging to Karnail Singh Virka, one of the accused arrested in connection with the recent illicit liquor deaths in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad.

The civic action was carried out at Sanjaynagar slum in Phugewadi, where an 875 sqft structure allegedly used for the sale of illicit liquor stood. Police suspect that some of the victims who died after consuming methanol-laced liquor had purchased the liquor from the premises.

The demolition was undertaken by PCMC’s slum eradication and rehabilitation department with support from the H ward office after occupants were served a 24-hour notice to voluntarily remove the illegal structure.

As the house was located in a congested slum pocket inaccessible for heavy machines, the civic teams used drill machines, gas cutters and manual labour to carry out the operation. Around 40 workers, four breakers and two gas cutters were deployed for the demolition.

Deputy municipal commissioner Anna Bodade, who heads the civic body’s slum eradication and rehabilitation department, said the structure comprised a temporary tin-sheet upper portion and an RCC base on the ground floor. “Since the locality is densely populated and the houses share common walls, JCBs and heavy machinery could not be used. The tin-sheet portion has been removed, while demolition of the RCC section is underway and will continue on Friday,” he said.

Officials said special care was being taken to ensure that neighbouring houses were not damaged during the operation.

The demolition was carried out amid heavy police presence. Police commissioner Vinoy Kumar Choubey visited the site and reviewed the operation. Security arrangements were supervised by DCP Sandeep Atole and ACP Sachin Hire, with 10 police officers, 50 personnel and 20 Maharashtra Security Force (MSF) jawans deployed at the spot.

PCMC commissioner Vijay Suryawanshi said the civic body would continue to take action against unauthorised constructions on municipal land and in slum areas.

“Any illegal structure that obstructs planned development or rehabilitation projects will face action as per the law. Citizens should avoid unauthorised construction and adhere to civic regulations,” he said.