Mumbai: Maharashtra government came in for severe flak in the monsoon session of the State Legislature from the opposition parties, who alleged Pune, amidst allegations of rampant drug abuse in the city, is becoming ‘Udta Punjab’ — a reference to the drug menace in the border state. The drug mafias have caused havoc in Pune, where there is no place where you don’t get drugs, said opposition leader Vijay Wadettiwar.
Raising the issue in the Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha, Wadettiwar from Congress likened Pune to ‘Udta Punjab’ highlighting growing cases of drug abuse.
“Pune is known for its cultural and social heritage, where students come from all across the country. But it is now known as Udta Punjab. There is no place in the city where you don’t get drugs. The law and order situation in the city is in tatters as there is no fear of law. The Sassoon Hospital in Pune has become notorious for selling drugs,” he said.
Accusing the government of failing to uphold the rule of law, Wadettiwar added, “There are 450 open terrace hotels in the city. It is alleged that police are receiving bribes of Rs five lakhs from large hotels and Rs 2.5 lakhs from small hotels. There are 27 pubs running in the city without permission.”
Replying to him, deputy CM and home minister Devendra Fadnavis said that it is inappropriate to call Pune ‘Udta Punjab.’ “Pune is the IT hub and the cultural centre of the state. This is why we should not liken it to ‘Udta Punjab,’ as it defames the city,” he said.
Fadnavis informed the Vidhan Sbha that district-wise anti-drug committees, including ATS, have been established. He mentioned a previous incident where drugs were smuggled via containers, leading to ATS involvement per central government instructions to curb such activities.
Fadnavis also commented on the police action regarding the Pune Porsche accident, in which two software professionals lost their lives after their bike was hit by a speeding Porsche, being driven by a teenager in a drunken state, in Pune’s Kalyani Nagar area in the early hours of May 19.
“After the accident, 70 pub licences have been cancelled in Pune. Work is being done to install AI-enabled cameras to know when the establishment shuts for the day, whether the age of the customer was checked upon entry and what proof of age was provided on entry. If patrons are allowed entry without proof, action will be taken,” he added.
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