Did Bengaluru Police Conduct Raids on 17 Bars for Illegal Employment of Female Servers?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Bengaluru Police conducted raids on 17 bars for illegal employment practices.
- Violations included inappropriate conduct and operating past legal hours.
- Immediate fines were levied on patrons violating the COTPA.
- Continued monitoring of these establishments will occur to ensure compliance.
- The public is encouraged to report any unlawful activities confidentially.
Bengaluru, June 20 (NationPress) The Bengaluru Police have executed a series of raids across 17 bars in the city, targeting illegal practices such as the unlawful employment of female servers and engaging in illicit activities. These establishments were found to be conducting late-night operations and hosting inappropriate dances, in direct violation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).
A statement from the office of the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner confirmed that 11 specialized teams were deployed for these operations, uncovering multiple infractions of the law.
Upon receiving reliable intelligence regarding numerous bars and restaurants in the city’s West zone, the police formed 11 special teams to investigate.
According to the statement, “A coordinated raid was conducted on bars and restaurants under the jurisdiction of Upparpet, Cottonpet, Kalasipalya, Cubbon Park, and Ashoknagar Police Stations.”
During the operation, it was revealed that 19 establishments had breached regulations by employing female staff dressed inappropriately and positioned near customers in a suggestive manner. Additional violations included the lack of designated female security personnel, unsanitary kitchen conditions, improper smoking areas, and operating past legal hours, as noted in the statement.
Patrons found in violation of the COTPA regulations faced immediate fines. Reports have been filed with local police stations to initiate further legal proceedings against the bar and restaurant owners.
Moreover, it was discovered that these violations extended beyond police regulations to include health and excise department mandates. These findings have been shared with the relevant departments for necessary action. The police will maintain strict oversight of these establishments moving forward, warning that repeated infractions could lead to the cancellation of their licenses.
The Bengaluru Police also encouraged the public to report any observed infractions by calling their helpline, assuring that the identities of informants will remain confidential.
This significant raid operation was conducted under the supervision of C. Vamsi Krishna, Joint Commissioner of Police for the West Zone, and led by S. Girish, Deputy Commissioner of Police for the West Division, with participation from officers across the Central and West Divisions as part of the 11 special police teams.