Cops raid two orchestra bars, 16 arrested

Mumbai: Aiming to curb vulgar and immoral activities, the Thane rural police on Thursday night raided two ladies orchestra bars, Hotel Bindya and Hotel Night Star in Mira Road and Kashimira, respectively.  A total of 16 people including bar girls and staffers were arrested.

While those arrested from Hotel Night Star were booked under the Indian Penal Code (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 Act 2016.

However, the owners managed were untracked till Friday evening.

The dance bar regulation bill enacted last year, fixes accountability on and stringent action against the owner in case of breach of rules, exploitation of women employees and vulgarity.

Apart from heavy monetary fines, owners are liable to face punitive action with imprisonment up to five years for violations.