Two raunchy bars raided in Mira Road, 16 people arrested; owners elusive

BHAYANDAR: After a brief lull the Thane (rural) police has once again trained its attention on curbing vulgar and immoral activities in the notorious ladies bars who were indulged in late night raunchy shows under the guise of live orchestra performances. In a late night operation on Thursday police personnel raided two ladies orchestra bars, Hotel Bindya (Viceroy) and Hotel Night Star in Mira Road and Kashimira respectively. A total of 16 people including bar girls and staffers were apprehended from both the institutions. While those arrested from Hotel Night Star were booked under the IPC for indulging in obscene acts and songs, those held from Hotel Bindiya were charged under the relevant sections of the Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotels, Restaurants and Bar Rooms and Protection of Dignity of Women Act2016. However, as usual the owners who is the actual beneficiary of the illicit trade managed to evade the police dragnet. and remained elusive till reports last came in. Having provisions for stringent action against violators, the dance bar regulation bill enacted last year, fixes accountability on the owner in case of breach of rules, exploitation of women employees and vulgarity. Apart from heavy monetary fines, owners or operators are liable to face punitive action with imprisonment up to five years for violations. - Suresh Golani