Maharashtra's Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has issued a stern directive to Pune's Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar on Monday to take decisive action against illegal pubs. The CM has instructed the initiation of stringent measures against such establishments and bulldozing any structures violating building codes.
A statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) stated that Shinde has also directed the police to reinvigorate efforts against traffickers to transform Pune into a 'drug-free city'.
The Viral Video of Youths on Social Media
A viral video surfacing on social media in the past 48 hours has brought pubs in Maharashtra's second-largest city into focus, depicting some youths with substances suspected to be drugs. The video is allegedly from the Liquid Leisure Lounge (L3) located on Ferguson College Road.
The CMO's statement added, 'To make the Pune city drug-free, there needs to be a tough campaign against illegal pubs. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed Pune's Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar to bulldoze the unlawful constructions related to drugs.'
Directives to Demolish Illegal Pubs
The CM told officials to begin operations against drug dealers and to demolish illegal pubs and buildings that contravene construction regulations. The viral video has led to the arrest of eight people, including an event organizer, following a police investigation.
Meanwhile, the Excise Department has arrested six waiters from L3 for violating alcoholic stock standards. An inspector from Shivajinagar Police Station, an assistant inspector, and two beat marshals, who were on night duty, have been suspended in the case.
