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The Pune Police conducted an overnight raid on a high-end bar in the city, alleging that it had supplied drugs to minors. Additionally, they have initiated action against two police officials for negligence of duty in this matter, officials reported on Monday.
The raid on Liquid Leisure Lounge (L3), located in the upscale Fergusson College Road area, followed the circulation of a social media video showing underage boys reportedly consuming drugs in the restaurant’s washroom during a lively party early Sunday morning.
In response to public outcry, Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar ordered an investigation. Last night, a police team conducted a thorough search of L3 and subsequently sealed the premises early this morning.
According to a police spokesperson, it was found that the establishment officially closed its front entrance at 1:30 am, but allowed unauthorized access through the backdoor, with the partying continuing until dawn, as seen in leaked videos.
Police have arrested the owner of L3, Santosh Kamthe, franchisee Ravi Maheshwari, manager Manas Malik, and several staff members including Utkarsh Deshmane and Yogendra Girafe. They are scheduled to appear before a Pune Magistrate later today, officials said.
Concurrently, the Pune police have taken action against two of its officers—a police inspector and an assistant police inspector—for alleged dereliction of duty. The establishment, situated within their jurisdiction, flagrantly violated regulations, which the officers purportedly ignored.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde acknowledged the severity of the situation and pledged stringent measures to eradicate drugs from Pune and the wider Maharashtra region.
Pune’s newly-elected Member of Parliament and Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar K. Mohol, condemned such incidents tarnishing Pune’s reputation and assured decisive action.
Meanwhile, NCP(SP) state President Jayanti Patil, along with other Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) opposition members, demanded the resignation of Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, citing what they perceive as a breakdown in law and order in the state.
Congress MLA Ravindra Dhangekar and Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Deputy Leader Sushma Andhare criticized the government for failing to stem the recent surge in crimes in Pune, despite widespread public dissatisfaction.
