In a late-night raid, Pune Police sealed a high-end bar in the city for allegedly serving drugs to minors and disciplined two police officials for purported dereliction of duty, officials reported on Monday.
The raid on Liquid Leisure Lounge (L3), located in the upscale Fergusson College Road area, was prompted by a social media video showing minor boys consuming drugs in the restaurant’s washroom amidst a lively party. The video surfaced early Sunday, leading to public outrage.
Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar ordered an investigation, and a police team conducted a thorough search of L3 last night, sealing the premises early this morning.
A police spokesperson informed the media that the establishment would shut its front entrance at 1:30 AM but allowed entry through the backdoor, continuing the party until dawn. These activities were leaked in videos.
The police have arrested L3 owner Santosh Kamthe, franchisee Ravi Maheshwari, manager Manas Malik, and staff members Utkarsh Deshmane and Yogendra Girafe. They are set to appear before a Pune Magistrate court today, according to an official statement.
Simultaneously, Pune Police have taken action against a police inspector and an assistant police inspector for alleged dereliction of duty, as the establishment under their jurisdiction blatantly violated rules while they ignored the activities.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde called the situation serious and vowed stringent efforts to make Pune and the rest of Maharashtra drug-free.
Newly-elected Pune MP and Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar K. Mohol expressed concern that such incidents tarnish Pune’s image and promised strong action.
NCP(SP) state President Jayanti Patil and other Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) members demanded the resignation of Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, citing a collapse in law and order.
Congress MLA Ravindra Dhangekar and Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Deputy Leader Sushma Andhare criticized the government for the recent spate of crimes in Pune, accusing it of failing to control the situation despite public outrage.