Pune: NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule on Saturday demanded that the home department take moral responsibility for the deaths caused by spurious liquor in the city. She urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to place the Pune commissioner of police on compulsory leave for failing to maintain law and order.
Death Toll Rises to 17
The death toll from the hooch tragedy reached 17 on Saturday. Baramati MP Supriya Sule claimed the actual number of fatalities could be higher than official figures. Local residents allege that more people have died from consuming the toxic liquor than the police are admitting, she said. The incident has exposed the government's failure to curb illegal activities, she added.
Demand for Accountability
Supriya stated that merely suspending some officials and police personnel after the deaths is insufficient. The police and excise department were aware of the illicit business, and senior officials are responsible for the loss of lives. The chief minister should send the Pune police commissioner on compulsory leave for failing to control crime in the city, she reiterated.
Opposition Protests
NCP (SP) workers, led by MLA Rohit Pawar, vandalized the illicit liquor den in Hadapsar on Friday in protest and demanded strict action in the hooch tragedy case. The opposition accused the police of ignoring illegal activities while targeting ordinary citizens.
Unequal Enforcement of Rules
Citing the Pune police's strict enforcement of the 10 PM closure deadline for establishments, Supriya questioned why cities like Mumbai, Nagpur, Nashik, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar operate throughout the night while Pune faces restrictions. The police impose curbs on common people but allow illicit liquor businesses to continue, she said, calling it a complete failure of the police department.
Crime Statistics Worry
Referring to a recent NCRB report, Supriya noted that Pune ranks first in Maharashtra and fifth nationally in crime rates. It is unfortunate that a city known for quality education is gaining the tag of the crime capital of Maharashtra. She demanded a detailed inquiry into the rising crime in Pune.
Criticism of BJP Leadership
The NCP (SP) leader also criticized the BJP leadership in Pune for the surge in crime. Despite the BJP winning a huge mandate in the Pune Municipal Corporation, none of its members have worked to improve law and order. She warned that if no improvement is seen, she will lead an agitation against the government in the city.
