Pune: PMC Identifies 92 Clubs Operating Illegally; Bulldozer Action Expected As Per CM’s Order

Pune, 25th June 2024: A complaint regarding L3 Club on FC Road, now sealed after videos of drug consumption and late-night parties surfaced, was sent to the administration in early June. However, no action was taken at that time.

Earlier, Pune District Collector Suhas Diwase had cancelled the licenses of six rooftop clubs. These actions followed a complaint from DCP (Zone 4) of Pune Police, which led to two hearings conducted by former District Collector Rajesh Deshmukh. Numerous complaints and FIRs have been registered against clubs in Kalyaninagar and Koregaon Park.

The district collector also stated that he does not intend for these clubs to reopen soon. The Excise Department has taken interim actions, and club owners must adhere to regulations.

District Collector Diwase, who has the authority to take decisive actions against these clubs, has directed the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to provide a list of all illegal clubs to the Excise Department. After thorough scrutiny, further action will be taken. The PMC has already submitted details of 92 clubs. PMC Commissioner has assured that a revised and updated list would be shared with district authorities within two days.

Hotel associations report that the Excise Department has sealed over 130 clubs in Pune. However, there is inconsistency in the data provided by various officials. The Excise Minister, the District Collector, and Excise Department officials all have differing counts, leading to confusion over the exact number of sealed clubs.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has ordered officials to use bulldozers to dismantle illegal constructions at pubs.