4 cops suspended for failing to act against illegal dance bars in Borivali

Four policemen, including a senior inspector, of Kasturba Marg police station in Borivali were placed under suspension for failing to take action against illegal dance bars operating in their jurisdiction.

The order to suspend senior inspector Sanjeev Pimple, inspector Abantrao Hake, sub-inspector Chetak Gange, and head constable Shivaji Chakne was issued by Additional Commissioner of Police (North) Dilip Sawant, who took charge last month.

All four officials were under the scanner after the social service branch of Mumbai police raided a dance bar under the jurisdiction of Kasturba Marg police station earlier this month.

Since the bar was allowed to operate despite violating norms, the personnel were given a warning and directed to crack down on all such errant establishments operating in their area.

Despite the warning, at least five more dance bars in the area were reportedly allowed to operate.

On Sunday, a special team acting on a tip-off received by the ACP Sawant raided another dance bar in the area. The establishment had employed 12 women, instead of the permitted 4, who were rescued and taken to a shelter.

The bar’s owner, manager, cashier and other staff, meanwhile, were booked under relevant sections of the IPC and Maharashtra Prohibition of Obscene Dance in Hotels, Restaurants and Bar Rooms & Protection of Dignity of Women (Working therein) Act, 2016.

In wake of two back to back incidents, Sawant initiated a departmental inquiry and suspended the four officials for failing to curb illegal activities in their area.

As part of the departmental inquiry, a senior officer will probe if the suspended cops turned a blind eye and allowed the dance bars to operate without adhering to the requisite norms in exchange for any monetary or other benefits.