Pune: Residents Demand Closure of Highland Bar in Mohammadwadi Over Safety and Noise Concerns
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Mohammadwadi, 11th May 2026: Residents of Elina Living Society and nearby housing complexes on NIBM Annexe Road in Mohammadwadi have submitted a formal complaint to the State Excise Department and other authorities, demanding strict action against the operation of “Highland Bar,” alleging that the establishment has become a source of public nuisance, insecurity, and disturbance in the residential locality.
The complaint, submitted by Jaymala Dhankikar on behalf of residents, has also been addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Pune City, the District Collector, and other civic authorities.
According to residents, the bar’s operation near the entrance of Elina Living Society and close to residential projects such as Cloud 9 and Nine Hills has led to frequent late-night disturbances, public intoxication, illegal parking, and safety concerns for women, children, and senior citizens.
Residents alleged that intoxicated customers often gather outside society gates, creating chaos through shouting, abusive language, and altercations late into the night. They claimed that the situation has severely affected the peaceful atmosphere of the locality.
Speaking on behalf of the residents, Shrikaant Iyer said:
“A residential locality must remain a place of safety, peace, and dignity for families. When women, children, and senior citizens begin to feel unsafe outside their own homes, authorities must intervene immediately and restore public confidence and order.”
Women residents have reportedly expressed fear while entering or exiting the society premises during evening hours due to alleged indecent behaviour and intimidation by intoxicated individuals near the entrance gates.
Highlighting the issue, Jaymala Dhankikar stated:
“This is not just a complaint against one establishment; it is a collective cry for safety and peaceful living from hundreds of residents. No family should have to live under fear, noise, harassment, and public nuisance at the entrance of their own society.”
The complaint also mentions concerns regarding children being exposed daily to smoking, drunken behaviour, verbal abuse, and unsafe gatherings outside residential premises. Residents further alleged that customers frequently park vehicles irresponsibly on internal roads, obstructing traffic movement and emergency access.
In addition, residents have raised objections over loud music, noise pollution beyond permissible hours, roadside urination, littering, and unhygienic conditions allegedly caused by the functioning of the establishment.
Responding to the allegations raised by residents, the manager of Highland Bar said:
“Many times, people from the particular society also make noise, gather there, and create disturbance. Our bouncers and security staff always ensure that after having food or leaving the restaurant, guests move properly. After 1:30 am, no guests remain outside the restaurant, and our bouncers and security team ensure every guest leaves in their respective vehicles.
Our restaurant closes at the legal time, which is 1 am. Many people come to the upper-side mall, and several of them park their vehicles on Elina Society Road. For that, we cannot do anything. If something else is still happening, I will speak to the owner and take appropriate action regarding the matter.”
The residents have urged authorities to conduct an immediate inspection into the functioning of Highland Bar, verify all operational permissions, and take strict action if violations are found. They have also demanded increased police patrolling in the locality during late-night hours.
The complaint seeks suspension or cancellation of the establishment’s operational permissions and has requested that the bar be shifted away from the residential entrance in the interest of public safety and welfare.
