One Year After Kalyani Nagar Porsche Accident: Crackdown on 77 Pune Pubs, 405 Excise Violations Exposed

Pune, 19th May 2025: In the last year after the tragic Kalyani Nagar car crash that shook Pune, law enforcement agencies have intensified their crackdown on pubs, bars, and restaurants operating beyond legal hours and violating excise norms. The Pune Police Crime Branch has revealed that over the past year, action was taken against 77 hotels and pubs in suburban areas that stayed open till late at night, with 21 pub and bar owners booked for violating set rules.

The heightened scrutiny followed the 19th May 2024 accident, in which computer engineer Anish Avdhiya and his friend Ashwini Koshta were killed after a Porsche car— driven by a minor—collided with their two-wheeler. The minor, who had just left a pub in Mundhwa after a late-night party, was found to be under the influence. The accident sparked public outrage and brought the spotlight on the unchecked nightlife culture in upscale areas like Kalyani Nagar and Koregaon Park.

Residents Raised Alarm Over Noise and Illicit Activities
Following the incident, local residents voiced strong concerns about loud music, suspected drug use, and unlicensed alcohol sales at several late-night establishments. In response, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar issued clear guidelines for bars, pubs, and hotels to ensure compliance with closing hours and noise regulations.

Initially, there was visible compliance, but as time passed, several establishments reverted to their old practices. This led police to step up enforcement efforts.

Police Action and Violations
In the past year:

77 hotels and pubs were penalized for remaining open late at night.
16 pubs and restaurants were found violating noise pollution norms.
21 establishments were booked for violating other operational rules.

Excise Department Cracks Down on Rooftop Bars
In a parallel action, the Maharashtra State Excise Department uncovered widespread violations in the hospitality sector. In the last year alone:

405 bars and restaurants were found flouting liquor laws.
Notably, 29 rooftop establishments in high-rise buildings were caught selling alcohol without proper permits—a clear violation of excise rules.
The licences of 11 bars were suspended for serious infractions.

According to officials, rooftop hotels have become a major concern due to safety issues and regulatory loopholes. The Excise Department has assured that more inspections are underway to prevent unlicensed liquor sales and improve accountability in the hospitality industry.