Locals blame pubs, cops for Bund Garden crash

Citizens allege political-bureaucratic nexus behind unchecked pub boom; demand stricter laws and action

- Ankit Shukla

Outraged residents have blamed the administration's negligence, police inaction, and the nexus between politicians and builders for the growing pub culture and alcohol-fuelled tragedies that have tarnished Pune’s image as an education hub.

The anger reignited after a recent car accident at Bund Garden claimed three young lives, allegedly due to drunk driving.

Residents accused the authorities of failing to curb late-night parties, reckless driving, and underage drinking despite repeated warnings. They alleged that the political and builder lobbies have encouraged the unchecked growth of pubs while enforcement agencies turned a blind eye. According to official data, Pune recorded 5,286 drunk-driving cases in 2024, and 3,362 more between January and August 2025 — despite multiple fatal incidents linked to alcohol consumption and speeding.