Pune Police’s Night Crackdown Under Fire as Traders Allege Selective Action Against Small Businesses
Pune Police’s Night Crackdown Under Fire as Traders Allege Selective Action Against Small Businesses
Pune, May 24, 2026: Pune Police’s ongoing late-night enforcement and checking drives, initiated following rising concerns over violent crime and alleged “Koyta Gang” activities, are now facing mounting criticism from traders, restaurant owners and citizens who claim the action is being implemented selectively across the city.
Small business owners from multiple areas of Pune have alleged that local tea stalls, food joints, eateries and roadside vendors are being pressured to shut operations by around 10 PM to 10:30 PM during police patrols and inspection drives. According to traders, the restrictions are severely affecting businesses that largely depend on late-night customers, including students, IT employees, cab drivers, delivery workers and night-shift staff.
The controversy deepened after several residents questioned why pubs, bars and major multinational food chains allegedly continue operating late into the night without facing similar restrictions or enforcement action.
Citizens specifically highlighted establishments in Kothrud, including outlets near Bhusari Colony and MIT College, claiming that larger commercial brands continue serving customers while smaller local businesses are routinely warned or asked to close early.
Traders have accused authorities of adopting what they describe as “unequal enforcement,” alleging that family-run businesses and roadside vendors are facing the maximum impact of the crackdown while larger establishments appear to be functioning without interruption.
“If safety measures are necessary, then the same rules should apply to everyone equally. Why are only small businesses being targeted?” questioned one local restaurant owner.
Apart from concerns over business losses, commuters and working professionals have also reported inconvenience due to increased nakabandis, vehicle checking drives and police barricading across major roads during late-night hours.
Cab drivers, delivery executives, students and IT employees have complained of long traffic congestion and delays caused by repeated vehicle inspections and intensified patrolling operations.
Critics argue that while maintaining law and order remains important, the current implementation is creating difficulties for ordinary citizens and adding further financial pressure on already struggling small businesses.
The issue has also gained political attention after Member of Parliament Supriya Sule reportedly stated that Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar was not responding to her calls regarding concerns over the city’s law-and-order situation.
The ongoing debate has now triggered larger public questions regarding whether any official written orders or specific guidelines have been issued for business operating hours, and why different standards allegedly appear to apply to pubs, multinational outlets and local establishments.
Senior police officials were reportedly approached for clarification regarding allegations of selective enforcement and the functioning of larger commercial establishments during late-night hours. However, no official response had been issued at the time of publishing.
