In a dramatic late-night operation, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 1) Lohit Matani and his team raided a dance bar located just half a kilometre from the MIDC Police Station in Nagpur. The raid, conducted at around 1:45 am on Sunday, uncovered women performing explicit dances while customers showered them with currency notes.
Following the directives of Commissioner of Police Ravinder Singal and Joint Commissioner of Police Nisar Tamboli, DCP Matani has been leading a series of raids in his jurisdiction. This operation specifically targeted a dance bar, along with a Dharampeth hookah parlour and two dhabas in Bajaj Nagar and Hingna, where liquor was being consumed without the necessary permissions.
The dance bar, which was licensed only for orchestra music, was found hosting performances that violated Section 8(4) of the Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance Act and the Protection of Dignity of Women Act, 2016. In addition, charges under Section 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for insulting the modesty of women were filed against the establishment.
The police seized Rs 37,500 in currency notes that had been thrown at the dancers over the course of a few hours. Customers were reportedly making obscene gestures, and the bar management was found playing customized music from laptops at the customers’ requests. Plainclothes officers initially infiltrated the premises, documenting the activities under the glow of pink-hued disco lights before launching the raid.
A total of 21 individuals were booked, including four women singers and dancers. Notices were issued to these women, including one from Navi Mumbai, requiring them to appear before the investigating officers. The accused included:
– Bar Owner: Jai Baldeo Hirani (42), resident of Pande Layout, Khamla
– Manager: Raju Lalchand Zamba (59), resident of Mahadeo Heights, 502, Nari, Jaripatka
– Cashier: Devendra Ramkrushna Shende (38), resident of Ekatmata Nagar, Shivangaon Road, Jaitala
According to the local media report, it suggest that a person named Vicky, suspected to have connections with both law enforcement and gangsters, is a key backer of the bar. A notorious city gangster, Maroti, is also said to frequent the establishment. Sources claim the bar operated with stringent entry protocols, allowing access only to select patrons referred by insiders. Special guests allegedly received exclusive entertainment, with the premises locked from the outside to maintain secrecy.
Reports suggest that a person named Vicky, believed to have ties with both law enforcement and gangsters, is a key backer of the bar. The establishment is also reportedly frequented by a notorious city gangster, Maroti. Sources indicate that the bar operated with strict entry protocols, granting access only to select patrons referred by insiders. Special guests allegedly enjoyed exclusive entertainment, and the premises were locked from the outside to maintain secrecy.
The raid is part of a broader crackdown led by DCP Matani, following a previous operation where Dharampeth hookah parlour management was booked for destroying evidence. The proximity of the dance bar to the MIDC Police Station has raised concerns about possible police involvement in illegal activities. The operation has sparked discussions on the integrity of law enforcement in tackling such unlawful establishments. Further investigations are ongoing to trace the network and take action against those involved.