Police Raid Pune Pub for Liquor Sales on Independence Day

Pune’s Yerawada police conducted a raid on the Ballr pub in Kalyaninagar during the early hours of August 15, 2023, for allegedly selling liquor on a designated dry day. The operation began around 1:10 AM after authorities received a tip-off about the pub’s activities, which violated government regulations for the occasion of Independence Day.

During the raid, police discovered between 300 and 500 patrons inside the pub, prompting them to take immediate action. Senior Inspector Ravindra Shelke confirmed that a case has been registered against the pub’s manager, aged 45, under sections 223 (disobedience to orders promulgated by a public servant) and 293 (continuance of nuisance after injunction to discontinue) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

In a statement, Inspector Shelke expressed the seriousness of the situation, stating, “The government declared a dry day on the occasion of Independence Day. The sale of liquor was not allowed, and the pub management showed complete disrespect to the government’s order.” Authorities have since issued a notice to the pub manager, who resides in Kothrud, requesting cooperation with the ongoing investigation.

The brand owner of Ballr, Heramb Shelke, defended the establishment’s actions, arguing that they were operating within the guidelines of their government-issued license, which permits liquor sales from 11:30 AM to 1:30 AM. “There is a grey area of one and a half hours (from midnight to 1:30 AM) when issuing a dry day order,” he explained. “The government must clarify this, and in the future, if a dry day is declared, we will stop serving liquor by midnight.”

This incident underscores the need for clear regulations regarding dry days and the responsibilities of establishments that serve alcohol. As the investigation unfolds, the local community is left questioning the enforcement of such laws and the implications for nightlife in Pune.