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Mumbai: In a late-night crackdown, police raided two illegal dance bars in Andheri and Sakinaka, where bar girls were found performing obscene dances while customers showered them with currency notes. Police booked the bar managers, cashiers, waiters, performers, and customers under various legal provisions for violating norms.

Though dance bars are banned in Maharashtra, bars are allowed to host female singers under specific regulations. However, many continue to operate illegally under the guise of “orchestra bars.” Acting on a tip-off, MIDC Police and Sakinaka Police conducted surprise raids on Sunday night.

The first raid was carried out at ‘Night Lover’ bar on Kondiwita Lane, A.K. Road, Andheri (East), where 43 bar girls were caught performing obscene dances while 23 customers encouraged the performances by throwing money. Police arrested the bar manager Harsh Doshi, the cashier, 14 waiters, 1 orchestra performer, and the 23 customers. Notices were issued to the 43 bar girls under Section 35(3) of the relevant rules.

The second raid took place at ‘Manisha’ bar located in Mohili Village, Sakinaka, where 35 bar girls were similarly caught performing lewd dances. Eight customers were found actively encouraging them. In this case, a total of 23 individuals, including the manager, cashier, waiters, and customers, were booked. Mumbai Crime Branch Unit 2 and MIDC Police conducted the raid and seized currency garlands made specifically for tossing at performers.

Both bars have been booked under Sections 223 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with provisions of the Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotels, Restaurants and Bar Rooms and Protection of Dignity of Women (Working Therein) Act, 2016. The investigation is ongoing.