In a significant crackdown, eight individuals have been arrested, and four police personnel suspended after a bar in Pune was found operating beyond the permissible time limit, officials said on Monday. The incident came to light following a viral video purportedly showing individuals with a drug-like substance at the bar located on Fergusson College Road.
According to police, the Liquid Leisure Lounge (L3) continued its operations until 5 am on Sunday, far exceeding the 1.30 am closure time mandated for bars and pubs in Pune. Additionally, liquor was being sold beyond the permissible hours.
"We have arrested eight persons, including owners and employees of the Liquid Leisure Lounge (L3), after it came to light that the establishment was operating beyond the permissible time limit on Sunday," Pune Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar said.
Those arrested face charges under Indian Penal Code section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) and relevant provisions of the Maharashtra Police Act, Maharashtra Prohibition Act, and the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act.
The suspended officers include an inspector, an assistant inspector, and two beat marshals from the Shivajinagar police station, who were on night duty during the incident.
Regarding the video showing individuals with a drug-like substance, another police official stated that the matter is under investigation.
In response to the incident, Pune MP and Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol announced on social media platform X that while immediate suspension actions have been taken, the police commissioner has been instructed to launch a dedicated drive against narcotics. Mohol emphasized the need for strict action and thorough searches of all colleges, pubs, hotels, and other suspicious locations.
"All colleges, pubs, hotels and other suspicious places should be searched with strict action. Police have been instructed to go to the root to see how drugs are available in the city," he said.
(With PTI Inputs)
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