Pune: Members of the Youth Congress staged a protest outside the state excise office in Pune on Friday and attempted to lock the office from the outside, as the death toll in the hooch tragedy in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad rose to 17.Holding state excise officials responsible for the deaths caused by the consumption of illicit liquor, the protesters alleged that the illegal liquor trade was flourishing with the tacit support of officials. As a mark of protest, they tried to lock the office premises. Youth Congress members also claimed that they found several empty liquor bottles within the premises of the state excise office near Pune railway station.Speaking to the media, Youth Congress member Akshay Jain said, “Illicit liquor is being sold openly in various parts of the city, but state excise officials allegedly accept bribes from sellers and turn a blind eye to the trade. Even in major pubs, underage youths can procure liquor, yet no action is taken against the operators. If these officials are not performing their duties, it is better to lock their office and send them home.”The protesters further alleged that the state govt has repeatedly failed to control crime and illegal activities in the city. “Several freshers’ parties were organised at pubs across Pune where liquor was freely served. Police and state excise officials are busy harassing common citizens but fail to act against illegal activities. There has been a heavy police presence on Pune’s roads, with authorities claiming they are monitoring unlawful activities. However, despite these measures, illicit liquor continued to be transported and sold in both Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad,” said another protester, Prathamesh Abnave.
