Bengaluru: Two more bars raided, 32 women freed

BENGALURU: In its continuing drive against illegal live bands performing in various bars and restaurants in the city, the Cubbon Park police carried out two raids in its jurisdiction.

According to the police, on Monday night, two bars were raided based on the tip-off. The police were able to rescue 32 women, hailing from different states. While 26 women were rescued from Narthaki Bar on Residency Road, six were rescued from Brigade Blues Bar. In addition, they arrested 18 workers from Narthaki and seven from Brigade Blues.

The women were mostly in their twenties and hailed from the North and North-Eastern states, police said. They also seized Rs 34,000 and Rs 14,900 in cash from Narthaki and Brigade Blues bars respectively, police added.

The owners of both bars, identified as Chavaregowda and Chikkegowda, have managed to evade arrest. Police said the women have been sent to a remand home after they were rescued, while the managers, cashiers and workers in the two bars have been taken into custody and a case has been registered against them. Cases are registered against them under Sections 370A, 370(3), 109, 294 of the IPC.

The raids were carried following a tip off that certain bars were hiring women and carrying illegal activities, police said. Taking a strong objection city police Commissioner N.S. Megharik had directed the senior officers to conduct a detailed probe and submit a report.

It may be recalled that this is the fourth such raid in the central police division within a week. On Saturday night, the CCB police had raided Times Bar and Restaurant on Residency Road, Shiva Palace Deluxe Lodge at N T Pet on Mysuru Road. The CCB officials have rescued as many as 82 women from prostitution and had arrested many people in this connection.