Nagpur: It seems Pune’s Porsche incident, where two techies were killed on Sunday, May 19, has brought the spotlight on the prolonged issue of ‘illegal rooftops and pubs’ providing alleged safe havens for drugs and hookah consumption. Now, local politicians are taking jabs at the issue.
Prashant Pawar, a leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) (Ajit Pawar faction), has alleged that illegal rooftops, operating without valid permits, along with clubs and pubs across the Second Capital of the State, are spoiling youth by providing safe havens for illegal activities like drug and hookah consumption.
“From Ramnagar, Ramdaspeth, Laxminagar, Sadar, Dhantoli, Civil Lines, to Hingna and Wardha Road, over 100-plus rooftop hotels and clubs are flourishing in Nagpur without valid permits and are providing shelter for illegal activities like drug consumption and hookah. Under the pretext of couple entry, these clubs are providing facilities for women to accompany men, helping them gain entry into the establishment,” alleged Pawar during a media interaction at the NCP Office in Bajaj Nagar on Wednesday.
NCP General Secretary Milind Mahadevkar, Vice President Nikhilesh Kolhe, Vidarbha Students President Madhuri Paliwaan, Regional Student General Secretary Rahul Kamle, Youth Secretary Nagesh Devmuthe, and others were prominently present on this occasion.
Pawar also highlighted the complicity of the Nagpur Administration, Excise Department, and Nagpur Police in shielding these establishments.
“Despite opposition from locals, lack of clearance from the Fire and Town Planning Departments, and many other security lapses, such establishments are gaining momentum and drawing crowds while the Nagpur Administration, Excise Department, and Nagpur Police are acting as mute spectators. This clearly indicates their complicity in this rising menace,” Pawar contended.
He also issued a 15-day ultimatum to the illegal rooftops and clubs to set things right or he himself will shoot live videos of their establishments and file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in this connection.
– Shubham Nagdeve
