Prominent Bengaluru bar in trouble for 'indecent, obscene' activities
What's the story
Police have busted illegal activities in one of Bengaluru's prominent bars, rescuing at least 32 women and arresting six employees. When cops raided the Mango Tree bar on 80 Feet Road, Indiranagar, Saturday, the women told them they were forced to dress indecently and perform in "obscene acts." They are still probing if the establishment also served as the base of a prostitution racket.
Raid
Entry to the upper floor was restricted, police found
Acting on a tipoff, police sent in a decoy customer Saturday evening. After it was confirmed that the bar had brought in a batch of women into the premises, the teams stormed in. Police then discovered that "the ground floor was being used as a regular bar, but entry to the upper floor was restricted during weekends." Upstairs, selected clients had access to these girls.
Allegations
Manager listed among accused in human trafficking case
The women had been given contracts for exotic dance performances on Fridays and Saturdays. They were allegedly forced to wear skimpy clothes to "provoke customers to buy more alcohol." Sources said the girls had been smuggled in from outside Karnataka. An FIR has been lodged. Though it doesn't mention names, it has listed the manager among the accused, who have been charged with trafficking.
Uncertainty
Owner has escaped arrest till now
There's still some uncertainty about under whose name the bar's operational license has been issued. "The building was rented out to an entrepreneur in Dubai in 2008, but he reportedly stopped paying rent. A civil case is already registered against him," a constable explained. According to reports, an MLA's son also tried exerting pressure on police to prevent the owner's arrest.
Status
The women have been moved to a government shelter
There was tension yesterday when some employees managed to enter the sealed building in an apparent attempt to reopen business. Police rushed to the spot and rounded them up, but they claimed they were there for "repair work." They were later released. Meanwhile, the women have been shifted to a government shelter. A case has been lodged for trafficking and obscenity.