Crack down on Fergusson College Road pub by Pune Police & Excise dept for operating late

Two constables were suspended for dereliction of duties

Pune City Police have initiated action and detained five people after it came to light that a pub located on Fergusson College Road had been operating way past the stipulated time limit after videos related to it were circulated online. Police were also probing allegations of narcotics use at the establishment, officials said.

A total of five persons including proprietors and managers of the pub were detained for questioning. A team from the Anti Narcotics Cell of Pune Police crime branch also launched a probe into the case, officials said.

Late on Sunday evening, two constables from Shivajinagar police station were suspended for failing to do their patrolling duties assigned to them.
“The probe has revealed the pub named Liquid Leisure Lounge was operating very late and in gross violation of the time limit of 1.30 am. It has come to light that it was operating even after 3.30 am on Sunday. We have initiated action against the owners and managers of the pub. The Excise department has also initiated action against the establishment,” said Sandeep Singh Gill, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 1).

DCP Gill added, “We are investigating whether they are violating any other rules or norms. Action will also be taken against the staff and officials from the local police station, who failed to act against the said pub.” Officials said that some persons linked to the pub were detained on Sunday evening and were being questioned.

When asked about the allegations about the use of narcotics as seen in some visuals, DCP Gill said, “That aspect is also being investigated. If our probe reveals that narcotics were distributed or used, we will initiate action under the NDPS Act.”

Pune MP and Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol said in a post on X, “Videos of some youths consuming drugs have come out in news channels and this is a very serious matter. I have spoken to Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar and I have instructed that the concerned inspectors of the local police station and other responsible officials to be immediately suspended. Besides, I have also directed that strict action be taken against managers and owners of the said establishment. This kind of behavior and the bad name it brings to our Pune will never be tolerated.