Pune Ganeshotsav 2024: CP Amitesh Kumar Announces Liquor Sales Ban During Key Festival Days

Pune, 6th September 2024: Tomorrow, Maharashtra’s famous Ganeshotsav begins, and excitement is building among the people. Preparations are nearly complete for both public and domestic Ganesh Mandals. In this context, Pune City Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar held a press conference today to discuss the planning and regulations for Ganeshotsav in Pune. The commissioner provided key details regarding security and transportation. Additionally, liquor sales will be prohibited for three days during Ganeshotsav in Pune.

It has been decided that liquor shops in certain parts of Pune will remain closed during Ganeshotsav. All liquor shops within the jurisdictions of Faraskhana, Vishrambaug, and Khadak Police Stations will be closed for the entire duration of the festival. Additionally, all liquor shops across Pune city will be closed on the 7th, 17th, and 18th of September.

Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar stated that there are 3,798 public Ganesh Mandals and 6,64,257 household Ganesh idols in Pune. For Ganeshotsav, 7,000 police personnel will be deployed for security, with increased strength during the immersion period. The deployment will include 4 Additional Commissioners of Police, 10 Deputy Commissioners of Police, 23 Assistant Commissioners of Police, 128 Police Inspectors, 568 Assistant Police Inspectors, 4,604 Police Constables, 1,100 home guards, one company of the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), and ten Quick Response Team (QRT) units.

Preventive action has been taken against 1,742 people for Ganeshotsav. The use of flammable substances like petrol and diesel for decorations or creating fire is prohibited during the festival. Rules will be enforced to limit the volume of speakers, with loudspeakers permitted from September 12th to 17th, between 6 am and 12 pm. Firecrackers are also prohibited. Liquor shops in certain areas will remain closed during this period. Additionally, Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar informed that many roads in the central part of the city will be closed to traffic, with specific roads restricted to heavy vehicles.

Steps will be taken to prevent criminals in Pune from obtaining weapons like koytas and other such weapons. A separate team has been established for anti-narcotics operations. While all the city’s gangsters were arrested a few days ago, leading to a brief period of peace, the crime rate has since risen again. Pune Police paraded all the arrested gangsters, including Gajanan Marne, whose behaviour improved afterwards. However, in recent days, reels about him have been widely circulated on social media. The commissioner has stated that strict action will be taken soon.