Is there a curfew in Pune today? Here’s what police said amid social media claims
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Is there a curfew in Pune?
The answer is NO. According to the TOI report, officials clarified that no such curfew or city-wide restriction was announced. The statement comes in the wake of multiple messages and media reports circulating online claiming that authorities have banned protests, rallies and public gatherings amid rising fuel prices and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for fuel conservation amid the ongoing West Asian crisis.
Viral allegations also alleged that the Pune Municipal Corporation has imposed strict austerity measures for its employees, including limiting use of official vehicles, mandatory carpooling, online meetings and mandatory use of public transport at least once a week. 22.00 restrictions only apply to:
street vendors
Food stalls and Khau Gallis
paan shops
Outdoor roadside dining arrangements
No restrictions on public movement
Pune police have launched a crackdown against unauthorized hawkers, licensed vendors violating deadline norms and restaurants operating on footpaths or beyond permitted hours. Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar told TOI on Monday that the action is mainly focused on shutting down outlets operating after 10 pm without valid permission.
Clarifying the move, he said that no specific prohibitory order has been issued restricting the movement of people. “People can move freely. These are regular fortnightly orders issued by the police. The orders are to prevent criminals from gathering in groups and causing damage to the community or property.”
Talking about the ongoing action against roadside eateries and other establishments, Kumar said, “Areas like FC Road, JM Road, Karve Road, Kothrud, Baner, Kondhwa, Katraj and Phursungi attract a large number of people late at night for food and snacks. Such places are also frequented by criminals.” he said.
“We looked into the matter and found that both legal and illegal hawkers were operating after 10 pm. We are closing such establishments, including paan stalls, at 10 pm,” he said.
Police are also taking action against restaurants that illegally occupy sidewalks and cause inconvenience to pedestrians. “Some eateries were open till 3 am. We have restricted them to 10 pm. Licensed establishments such as restaurants and bars can operate as per the deadlines specified in their licences,” Kumar said.
