The Special Service Branch (SSB) of Mumbai Police has arrested a total of 196 people during the early hours on Sunday. The arrests were made as part of raids conducted at Opa Bar and Café and at Mitron Pub in Sakinaka, Andheri (East). The officials said that these people were arrested for not following lockdown guidelines. A total of 171 men and women attendees were arrested along with two owners, three managers, and 20 workers including a cashier employed at the two locations.
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“A police team in civil clothes was sent to verify the complaint and found that music and dancing was going on inside the pub and the patrons were not maintaining social distancing,” said Dr Raju Bhujbal, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Enforcement). “In the bar and café, alcohol was served to the customers and the number of patrons was more than 50% seating capacity,” he added.
As per the current government norms in Maharashtra, eateries, pubs, and other establishments are supposed to run at 50 per cent seating capacity. Even though the State Government has eased instructions over the past few weeks, some rules and standard operating procedures (SOPs) continue to remain in place.
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The arrested people have been booked under Sections 188 (disobeying order duly promulgated by public servant), 285 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter), 269 (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life), 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Though COVID-19 restrictions have eased to a great extent in Mumbai, authorities are mindful of the risks of a new wave in cases. State and civic officials have their work cut out to mitigate risks of the virus, though incidents of overcrowding in pubs, restaurants etc could prove to be detrimental to these efforts.
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