Maharashtra: 15 people booked for vandalising bar in Panvel

The Night Riders Bar in Panvel, which was vandalised on Saturday night. Pic/By Special Arrangement

The Panvel Taluka police have registered a case after a group of around 15 individuals allegedly vandalised the premises of the Night Riders Bar in Panvel late on Saturday night, creating a panic among staff and customers. According to the police, the attackers damaged the bar's property and disrupted its operations before fleeing.

Senior Police Inspector Gajanan Ghadge of Panvel Taluka police station said, "We have registered a case against 15 unidentified people under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for criminal trespass, vandalism, and disturbing public peace. Our teams are actively searching for the accused."

He added, "Night Riders Bar has a valid licence and is operating legally. Interestingly, this is the third time this particular bar has been targeted. It was earlier attacked in 2009 as well. The recurring attacks are being looked into seriously."

Resident Speak

The incident has triggered concern among Panvel residents, many of whom are questioning the increasing frequency of such acts. Chandrashekhar Bhat, a resident of Panvel, said, "I understand that there may be issues with nightlife culture, but such attacks are completely unacceptable. It disturbs peace in the locality."

Manisha Patil, a school teacher, said, "If bars are running legally, no one has the right to take the law into their own hands. Law and order should prevail." Sachin Kamble, an advocate, said, "Such incidents scare both locals and tourists. It's high time the authorities stepped up night patrolling."

Police said further investigation is underway, and more details will emerge as the search for the suspects continues. When contacted, the owner of Night Riders Bar, who had filed the police complaint, declined to comment on the incident, saying, "Let the police take appropriate action."