A video showing youngsters allegedly consuming drugs in the washroom of a hotel on Pune’s Ferguson Road has gone viral on social media, sparking outrage and political accusations. The incident comes amid an ongoing drug controversy in the city, with opposition leaders questioning the Maharashtra government’s commitment to law and order.
The video, which has been widely shared online, shows two individuals purportedly using drugs in the hotel washroom. The incident has raised concerns about the prevalence of drug use in Pune and the effectiveness of law enforcement in tackling the issue.
Last year, Pune was at the center of a drug controversy after Lalit Patil, a wanted person in a multi-crore drug seizure case, escaped from the Sassoon General Hospital before being arrested in Bengaluru. This incident further fueled public anxiety about the drug problem in the city.
Following the viral video, police have detained five individuals and initiated the process of sealing the bar in question. Two police bit-marshals have been suspended for their alleged involvement.
However, opposition parties have seized on the incident to criticize the state government and Excise Minister Shambhuraj Desai. Congress MLA Ravindra Dhangekar accused the government of shielding corrupt officers and allowing drug use to flourish in the city. He pointed to another pub in Shivajinagar that allegedly remains open till 5 am, where minors have been seen consuming drugs. He urged the minister to take action against the responsible officers, warning that inaction could lead to his dismissal.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare also questioned the lack of action against the excise officer allegedly involved in the drug connection in Pune for the past eight months. She criticized the government for failing to even transfer the officer, despite the serious allegations.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey expressed disappointment at the surfacing of videos showing drug use in Pune. He alleged that the city is becoming a hub for the drug and liquor mafia, while the government remains inactive. He appealed to the Union Home Minister to intervene and address the issue.
In response to the controversy, Excise Minister Shambhuraj Desai has ordered an inquiry into the entire matter. Meanwhile, Murlidhar Mohol, Pune MP and Minister of State for Civil Aviation, has directed the Pune Police Commissioner to immediately suspend inspectors from the police station where the incident took place. Terming it a serious matter, Mohol also ordered strict action against the hotel operator and owner. He emphasized that such behaviour, which tarnishes Pune’s reputation, will not be tolerated.
