Pune: Following a recent Porsche car accident, authorities have intensified their crackdown on pubs, bars, and rooftop hotels operating without licenses or violating time regulations.
Despite orders from the District Collector, the management of 'Hotel Plink' in Yerawada continued selling alcohol illegally. A team from the Social Security Department of the Crime Branch recently raided the hotel, seizing thousands of rupees worth of illicit goods and registering a case against four individuals at the Yerawada Police Station.
The District Collector had previously suspended 'Hotel Plink's' liquor license and banned alcohol sales until further notice. However, police received information that the hotel was still selling alcohol. Acting on this tip, they conducted a raid around 9:30 PM on Friday.
Krishna Ramchandra Newpane (34), Manager Gaurav Mangesh Wagholekar (25), General Manager Deepak Devidas Mandwale (43), and owner Vivek Dilip Chadda have been booked at Yerawada Police Station. Police Constable Avinash Konde from the Social Security Department filed the complaint.
The raid at 'Hotel Plink,' located in Creaticity Mall and operated by Kings Food and Brewery, Helium Bar and Restaurant, revealed the illegal sale of foreign liquor and beer.
After a brief lull, the administration resumed its crackdown with renewed vigor following another high-profile incident involving the L3 Bar on FC Road.
Pune Police have imposed strict rules and conditions on hotel operators, but violations continue to surface. The administration’s effectiveness was questioned, prompting a series of actions by the Pune Police, the State Excise Department, and the Pune Municipal Corporation.
Following the Chief Minister's orders to take action against unauthorized constructions linked to drug activities, the Pune Municipal Corporation demolished illegal structures at several hotels. The State Excise Department, acting on the District Collector's orders, has shut down 70 bars.
The Social Security Department's team received a tip about illegal alcohol sales at 'Hotel Plink.' Upon verifying the information, they conducted a raid on June 28. According to police, the hotel was secretly selling alcohol despite previous warnings.
On June 6, the Yerawada Police Station and the State Excise Department had jointly raided the hotel for similar offenses. Authorities are now considering sealing the hotel and have sent a reminder to this effect.