‘No screening in public places in Pune’

The city police on Monday made it clear that it would not allow screening of the India-Pakistan ICC cricket World Cup match, to be held in Mohali, in public places.

Deputy commissioner of police (ZoneI) Dnyaneshwar Phadtare said no permission would be given to screen the match in chowks, gardens or any other public places as it could prevent the smooth flow of traffic.

“During the recent India-Australia tie, two ambulances carrying patients to hospitals were stuck as a crowd had gathered and blocked the road. Hence, we would not allow any screening of the match,” he said.
The police have also appealed to various television showrooms to ensure that crowds do not gather near the outlets. It has also appealed
to people not to burst
firecrackers.
Meanwhile, the district entertainment tax department has decided to carry out a special drive on Wednesday against illegal screening of the semifinal match in various hotels, bars and restaurants in the city. Four teams will be conducting raids on various commercial establishments in the city to fine illegal broadcasters.
Geetanjali Shirke, district entertainment tax officer said, “The commercial broadcasting of the match without a proper licence is illegal. The fine prescribed for such broadcasting is 20% of the licence fee paid by the institution to the sports channel.”
Since the start of the World Cup, the entertainment tax office has fined 10 hotels and establishments for such illegal broadcast. The total fine collected was Rs83,673.