Mumbai: The Mumbai Crime Branch Unit 3 conducted a major raid on Pushpa Restaurant and Bar in Tardeo, uncovering illegal dance performances held without proper permissions. Acting on verified information, the police found that women were being made to dance under the guise of being singers, while customers openly showered currency on them.
Midnight Raid Uncovers Obscene Dance Acts
The raid took place just past midnight on August 2, with police entering the premises accompanied by official witnesses. Inside the hall, several women were found dancing to DJ music while male patrons encouraged them by throwing cash. Bar employees, including waiters and stewards, were seen collecting the scattered money.
Cash and Equipment Seized
During the operation, police detained the bar manager, 10 stewards/waiters, orchestra performers, three workers, and 32 customers. A total of ₹7,46,900 in cash was seized, along with a laptop, amplifier, and other sound equipment.
Violation of Licensing Norms
Sources claim that the actual amount of cash present during the raid may have been even higher. Investigations revealed multiple violations of license conditions. The number of female performers exceeded the permitted limit, performances were held without ID badges, and the bar lacked the mandatory stage setup required under licensing norms.
Women Released to Protect Their Dignity
Thirteen women were released by police to protect their dignity. A case has been registered against the bar manager, staff, and 32 customers under BNS Section 223, Section 3(5), and relevant provisions of the Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotels, Restaurants and Bar Rooms and Protection of Dignity of Women Act, 2016.
Probe Underway
The investigation is ongoing to uncover the full extent of the violations and identify any possible involvement of higher-level management or repeat offenders.
