Pune: Escada Bar in Viman Nagar found itself in legal trouble after being caught operating until 3 AM, well beyond the government-imposed limits.
Despite prior warnings and a citywide clampdown following the high-profile Porsche accident in Kalyani Nagar, the hotel continued to serve customers into the early morning hours. As a result, the Airport police registered a case against four individuals, including two of the hotel’s owners.
The case has been filed against hotel owners Sandeep Sahastrabuddhe and Sumit Chaudhary, along with managers Akshay Khilare and Himanshu Chaudhary.
The complaint was lodged under sections 223 and 3(5) of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), highlighting violations of the operating hour restrictions.
Constable Kapil Bhakre, who was on patrol late Thursday (September 19) night, discovered the ongoing operations at Escada Bar, located on the 4th floor of Sai Apex Building in Viman Nagar, at around 3 AM. The police found that despite clear regulations, the hotel continued its business, attracting and serving customers at this late hour.
Upon noticing the breach, Bhakre alerted sub-inspector Ravindra Dhaware, who arrived at the scene to inspect the premises. Akshay Khilare, the manager, was present at the counter while customers were still entering and being served in the hotel.
This incident comes as part of an ongoing effort by Pune authorities to clamp down on unauthorized hotel operations, particularly in the aftermath of the Porsche car crash in Kalyani Nagar.
Following that incident, the police, Pune Municipal Corporation, and the excise department had intensified their efforts, taking action against 55 hotels for unauthorized constructions and 65 bars, pubs, and restaurants for violating various operational rules.
