Pune: City Police recently raided ‘Afro-Party’ held at a pub located in Hadapsar and booked 72 people when they were found breaching COVID-19 safety norms. The police raided the club after it was found operating after 10 pm.

Currently, all restaurants, bars and cafes are allowed to remain open till 10 pm in the city to contain the further spread of the contagion. The raid was led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone V) Namrata Patil.

According to the police, people were seen dancing and dining after 11.30 pm here. The police informed that some of the people present here were foreign nationals, mostly from African nations. The patrons are book under relevant cases under sections 188 (disobedience) and 269 (negligent act likely to spread any disease dangerous to life) of the IPC (Indian Penal Code) and also under the Covid-19 Rules and Disaster Management Act.

It seems Pune City Police have taken strict action against those establishments operating post-deadline. Recently, strict action was taken against famous restaurants in the Koregaon Park area for violating COVID-19 protocols. The action was taken against restaurants naming Murphies, Talli, The Daily All Day and Publiq.

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Pune Police has also stated that strict action will be taken against those flouting COVID-19 norms. Also, one has to face legal action if seen venturing unnecessarily during night curfew. Against the backdrop of rising cases of COVID-19 in Pune, the district administration has extended the night curfew till March 31.

The Joint Commissioner of Police, Dr Ravindra Shisve has also warned people that stern action will be taken against those seen violating night curfew and COVID-19 norms. During the night curfew, people are not permitted to travel between 11 pm to 6 am. However, those working in essential services have been exempted.