The death toll in hooch tragedy in Mumbai has gone up to 53 even as 28 more victims have been hospitalised, police said.

At least five victims are critical and are battling for life at various hospitals.

“Senior police inspector (attached to Malwani police station) along with seven other personnel, including three officers and four constables, have been suspended for connivance/negligence”, City police commissioner Rakesh Maria said.

They were presented before a Mumbai magistrate who sent them to police custody till July 26.

The arrested accused have been identified as Raju Pascal, Donald Patel and Gautam Harte.

Since Thursday they started developing symptoms of poisoning, including vomiting, abdominal pain and burning sensation in eyes and sudden collapse.

The incident occurred at Laxmi Nagar slum near Gamdevi Jurassic Park in suburban Malad.

Their alarmed family members rushed them to local hospitals, but some of them died en route.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a probe in the matter, asking the officials to submit a report within two days. Numerous victims hail from Gulbarga region of Karnataka.

The Mumbai Police Crime Branch has arrested three accused in the case so far.

The deaths have reportedly been caused because of consumption of spurious liquor.

This is the first major illicit liquor tragedy since December 23, 2025 in which 87 people were killed and another 285 affected in two bars in the Vikhroli and Mahalaxmi areas.