03 August,2025 03:27 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
Panvel police have initiated an investigation into the incident. Representational Pic
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) party workers allegedly vandalised a dance bar in Navi Mumbai's Panvel late on Saturday night, officials said on Sunday.
The plce have launched a probe following the incident, they said.
According to the police, a group of MNS workers stormed into Night Riders Bar on the outskirts of Panvel and damaged property, including furniture and liquor bottles. A video of the incident circulating on social media shows broken tables, shattered glass, and ransacked interiors, as per the news agency PTI.
A senior MNS functionary, speaking anonymously, said, "Dance bars have no place in the sacred land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. We will not allow such obscenity to thrive in Panvel or anywhere else in the state."
Panvel police have initiated an investigation into the incident. "We are collecting CCTV footage and recording statements from witnesses. No one is above the law," said a senior police official, reported news agency PTI.
In a similar incident, a video has emerged online showing a Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) functionary slapping an employee at a gaming centre in Thane district, sparking criticism over his actions, PTI reported.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, following complaints that children were frequently visiting the gaming zone in Kalyan town after skipping school and stealing money from home.
Police said no formal complaint has been filed so far and that they are currently verifying the authenticity of the video circulating online, reported PTI.
In the footage, MNS Kalyan president Ulhas Bhoir is seen questioning the gaming zone staff about the presence of school-uniformed students on the premises.
He alleged the gaming centre was promoting truancy and irresponsible behaviour among minors. When an employee replied that he couldn't control who entered, Bhoir lost his temper and slapped him, warning that such negligence could impact an entire generation.
Bhoir, who appeared visibly agitated, claimed students had allegedly stolen Rs 4,000 from their parents to spend at the gaming centre, as reported by PTI.
He pointed to one boy and cited a notable drop in his academic performance as an example of the gaming zone's harmful influence on students.
Issuing what he described as a "final warning," Bhoir threatened strict action if students were again found at the venue, stating the facility could be shut down if such incidents continued, reported PTI.
Speaking to media persons later, Bhoir justified the confrontation, saying several parents had complained that their children were skipping school and misusing money at the gaming zone.
He said the gaming zone staff had been clearly instructed not to allow students to enter the facility.
The incident sparked widespread criticism online, with many condemning the MNS leader for resorting to violence and public intimidation, reported PTI.
(With PTI inputs)
