Groom among nine held for hosting belly dance at reception

Nine people, including a bridegroom, were today arrested for allegedly hosting a show with belly-dancers from Russia, who were brought from Mumbai and Delhi, at a wedding reception here, police said.

The groom, Yahya Bin Salam Bahamed, along with eight others including the agent, who brought ten Russian dancers, the event manager, owner of the orchestra team and the manager of the function hall were arrested, Deputy Commissioner of Police (South Zone) V Satyanarayana said.

The marriage was held on July 21 and reception was conducted at a function hall in which several VIPs and other dignitaries attended.

After the VIPs left, around midnight police received a complaint that loud music was being played at the hall following which a team went and stopped the music orchestra from playing. A sound pollution case was also registered.

Later the bridegroom and the reception organiser and others called the Russian dancers, who were staying at a hotel, to perform, the DCP said.

One of the accused, Ramesh Babu, had brought ten Russian dancers, six from Mumbai and four from Delhi.

A few videos that were shot by the audience showing semi-clad dancers performing at the event, have gone viral on social media.

A case under various IPC Sections has been registered.

The DCP said charge memos were issued to some policemen fornot collecting advance information in connection with the dance event. He warned that strict action would be taken against those organising such "obscene" events.