In a surprising turn of events, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar has ordered a thorough investigation into an alleged late-night gathering near Elrow Pub in Kalyani Nagar, despite stringent restrictions on pubs and other establishments. The incident occurred after a recent raid in the Kurkumbh MIDC area, where drugs worth an estimated ₹3,700 crore were seized, leading to the imposition of Section 144 restrictions.
The police have been actively monitoring hotels, restaurants, and pubs, with strict orders to enforce the mandated 1.30 am closing time. Any establishment found violating these guidelines is set to face severe repercussions.
Santosh Patil, senior police inspector at Yerawada police station, asserted that the gathering was unrelated to pubs and restaurants. He explained, “There are hundreds of IT companies operating in Cerebrum IT Park, and the shift change of these IT employees occurs at 2 am, leading to a daily crowd in that particular area.”
Responding to a complaint, officers visited Elrow Pub around 2 am, only to find it closed, according to Patil.
Contrary to the police’s explanation, Kalyani Nagar residents contested the claim, alleging routine violations of Section 144 restrictions by local pubs, bars, and restaurants.
Sangita Tiwai, vice-president of Maharashtra Pradesh Mahila Congress and a Kalyani Nagar resident, refuted the police statement, stating, “Many illegal activities occur after 2 am in the Kalyani Nagar area. Numerous pubs and bars operate beyond the mandated 1.30 am closing time, and the police turn a blind eye to them.”
The Pune police had imposed Section 144 restrictions on pubs, bars, restaurants, and hotels citywide following the Kurkumbh MIDC raid, aiming to curb the supply chain of narcotics. Despite these measures, videos circulating on social media indicated that the gathering near Elrow Pub persisted well beyond the stipulated closing time, raising concerns about the enforcement of regulations.
