Pune: Neelam Gorhe Seeks SIT Probe Into Rave Parties, Action Against Kingpins Under MPDA

Pune, 8th June 2026: Expressing concern over the growing incidence of illegal rave parties, drug abuse and deaths linked to such gatherings in Pune, Mumbai and adjoining areas, Shiv Sena leader and former Deputy Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council Neelam Gorhe has urged the state Director General of Police (DGP) to order a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into such cases and initiate action against the main organisers under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act.

In a memorandum submitted to the DGP, Gorhe referred to the recent Pune police raid on a luxury farmhouse in Tulapur, where a high-profile event titled “Project X” was allegedly busted. During the operation, police seized a large quantity of liquor, banned hookah flavours and marijuana. According to police, 156 people, including college students, IT professionals and other educated young adults, were present at the party.

Gorhe said such events are increasingly being organised secretly through social media platforms and have gradually shifted from urban centres to farmhouses, resorts and private villas in rural and semi-rural areas. She called for a special inspection drive in Pune, Mumbai, Thane, Lonavala, Mulshi, Karjat and Wagholi to identify and curb such activities.

Referring to recent deaths reported at parties in Mumbai, Gorhe demanded a detailed investigation into the possible role of alcohol and narcotic substances. She said an SIT should examine whether prohibited drugs or dangerous combinations of substances contributed to the deaths or serious health complications reported among attendees.

She also urged police to promptly register FIRs, trace the organisers, drug suppliers and financiers behind such events, and ensure stringent action under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. According to Gorhe, the illegal drug trade linked to rave parties should be treated as organised crime.

Among the key demands made by Gorhe are filing strong charge sheets to improve conviction rates, constituting an SIT to investigate party-related deaths in Mumbai, invoking the MPDA Act against key accused, identifying and dismantling drug supply networks, conducting special audits of resorts and farmhouses in rural areas, enhancing cyber surveillance of suspicious social media networks and initiating proceedings to seize properties used for illegal activities.

She further called for a review of past rave party cases to identify shortcomings in investigations and urged the state government to launch a dedicated campaign to protect young people from drug abuse and addiction.