Police raid illegal orchestra bar; arrest 42 people

Police raided an illegal orchestra bar here Sunday and arrested 42 people, including its owner, manager and customers, and also rescued seven bar girls, an official said.

The bar is located under the Naya Nagar police station limits in Bhayander town and the raid was carried out in the early hours.

Assistant SP (Thane district rural police) Atul Kulkarni, who led the raid on the 'Gandharva' bar and restaurant, said the outlet did not possess a valid licence to operate and employ female singers.

During the raid, the police found a cavity within the premises from where seven girls were rescued, he said, adding Rs 64,980 in cash was also seized.

Singers and dances were found engaging in "obscene" acts in the outlet, police said.

A total of 42 people, including 27 members of the bar management and staff, and 11 customers were arrested, the police said.

The arrested management members included the outlet's owner and manager, they added.

An offence under relevant sections of the IPC was registered against the accused and a probe was on, the police added.