Pune's Shocking Secret: Illegal Dance Bar Run by Politician?
Mrudula Narale
Pune is witnessing a surge in criminal activities, with many offenders allegedly enjoying political patronage. Recently, a case was registered at Samarth Police Station, Pune, under the POCSO Act against a politician accused of raping an underprivileged minor student. As per sourcess, the accused, Shantanu Samuel Kukade, is the state vice president of the Minority Department of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
High-Profile Accused with Political Clout
Sources reveal that Shantanu Kukade owns a luxurious bungalow in Pune’s upscale Camp area, where he allegedly provided accommodation for underprivileged students. A few days ago, two female students—one of them a minor—stayed at his bungalow. Both later accused Kukade of rape, leading to a POCSO case being filed against him.
Kukade is a prominent NCP figure and a regular at party events. Due to his influence, hewas appointed as the state vice president of the party’s minority wing.
Dance Bar or Private Parties?
A senior Pune police officer while speaking to NewsDotz stated that while private parties at a bungalow in Panshet, Pune, may involve informal dancing, there is no concrete evidence of a formal or illegal dance bar operating there.
Religious Conversion Racket?
Adding to the controversy, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has accused Kukade of running a large-scale religious conversion racket. They allege that he exploits vulnerable girls, forcibly converts them, and receives international funding for these operations. Pune Police is currently investigating these claims.
