Won’t interfere in your daily affairs: Mumbai CP Sanjay Pandey to restaurateurs

A cop sits in a bar in Andheri East around 10.47 pm on March 30

Following mid-day's report on how orchestra and dance bar owners are being harassed by local police across the city, Commissioner of Police Sanjay Pandey on Thursday called a meeting with the Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR) and assured them that cops would not interfere in their day-to-day functioning as long as they abide by the law. The CP has said if anyone is found violating the rules, action will be taken as per the law.

In a media statement, AHAR, the apex body of the industry, stated that in the wake of the media report and complaints received from dance and orchestra bars, CP Pandey and Joint Police Commissioner (Law and Order) Vishwas Nangre Patil held a meeting at the top cop's office with representatives.

AHAR President Shivanand Shetty said, "The police commissioner addressed the issues put forth by us and assured that cops would not interfere as long as the restaurants follow the rules and law of the land. Those found flouting the law will be dealt with severely."

Senior cops have given instructions to all police stations to ensure that the law of the land is followed while checking any establishment, including orchestra and dance bars. Cops, however, said that some orchestra and dance bars have been indulging in malpractices and they have been checking these places based on information. They also denied any harassment.

A police officer near the reception of an orchestra bar at 9.32 pm in Andheri East

mid-day had on Thursday reported how local cops were found sitting inside dance and orchestra bars for hours. Some were photographed sitting inside the establishment, some sleeping and some taking pictures of the performers. The hoteliers had reached out to mid-day, complaining that even as COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, cops continued to visit their establishment and forced them to shut before the permitted closing time.

"While every business has returned to normalcy after the government lifted all restrictions from April 2, we are still suffering despite having clear orders from the Supreme Court and the Bombay High Court. Just because a few people indulge in malpractices, it doesn't mean that everyone has to suffer. The police can take action and suspend the licence of those in the wrong, but they must stop this umbrella harassment. We hope the instructions from the police commissioner will be followed," said the owner of an orchestra bar from Mumbai's north region.

A police officer, on the condition of anonymity, said, "If anyone comes to us with evidence and a complaint, we will take action against our own officers. The city police have always been professional, but most orchestra and dance bars indulge in malpractices, such as some have early warning systems which alert in case of a raid and women are made to hide in multiple cavities inside walls."

The cops added that they have also written to the civic body to inspect such establishments for making illegal modifications, as these are in violation of fire safety rules and also endanger the lives of people.

2 April
Day all COVID restrictions were lifted