Maharashtra: Eight arrested for vandalising bar in Panvel

The arrested individuals, all Panvel residents, fall in the age group of 25 to 59 years. Representation Pic/iStock

The Panvel Taluka police have arrested eight individuals, including key accused Yogesh Chile, for allegedly vandalising Night Riders Bar in Panvel late on Saturday night. The accused were produced before the court on Monday, August 4, but the police's plea for custody was rejected. All eight were sent to judicial custody, and their bail plea is currently being argued in court.

According to the FIR, the group barged into the bar around midnight, damaged property, and caused panic among customers and staff before fleeing the spot. Bar owner Ramanna Kalappa Shetty, 51, filed a complaint, following which the accused, who had switched off their mobile phones after the incident, were traced and arrested.

The arrested individuals, all Panvel residents, fall in the age group of 25 to 59 years. They have been identified as Yogesh Chile, 43; Rahul Chauhan, 46; Dinesh Choughule, 37; Sameer Pawar, 37; Kiran Gurav, 26; Akshay Hake, 25; Sanjay Murkute, 59; and Puja Vasudevan.

A senior officer said, "We had sought custody to investigate the backgrounds of the accused as well as possible links to similar incidents. Without custody, further verification is restricted."

'Will continue crusade'

Chile, believed to be the ringleader, remained unapologetic during questioning. "Dance bars won't be tolerated on the land of Shivaji Maharaj. This is just the beginning," he allegedly told police, adding, "We will continue our action against places that go against our cultural values."

Senior Police Inspector Gajanan Ghadge confirmed the arrests and the court's order. "We wanted custody for detailed interrogation, but the court remanded them in judicial custody. The bail process is ongoing," he said.