Eight individuals have been apprehended and four police personnel suspended following the discovery of a bar in Pune operating beyond its permitted hours, an official confirmed on Monday.
An investigation was initiated by the police after a widely circulated video appeared to show individuals in possession of a substance resembling drugs at a bar situated on Fergusson College Road in Pune, Maharashtra.
In an incident on Monday afternoon, members of a right-wing organization damaged the bar’s signboard, pelted stones at the establishment, and vandalized some plant pots placed outside. Videos of the incident surfaced on social media platforms.
As per authorities, the bar had extended its operating hours until 5 am on Sunday and continued selling alcohol beyond the permissible time limit. In Pune, bars and pubs are allowed to remain open until 1:30 am.
“We have arrested eight individuals, including the owners and staff of Liquid Leisure Lounge (L3), upon discovering that the establishment was operating beyond the permitted hours on Sunday,” stated Pune Commissioner of Police, Amitesh Kumar.
The arrested individuals have been charged under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant), along with relevant provisions of the Maharashtra Police Act, Maharashtra Prohibition Act, and the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, he added.
In connection with the case, an inspector, an assistant inspector, and two beat marshals from the Shivajinagar police station, who were on night duty, have been suspended, the official further informed.
Regarding the video showing individuals with a substance resembling drugs at the bar, another police official mentioned that they are investigating the matter.
