Bhubaneswar, Nov 5: In the wake of reports of several dance bars operating in the capital of eastern Indian Odisha State, the commissionerate of police has decided to form a squad to check illegal dance bars in the city.
The local police came in for severe criticism recently for not acting against such illegal bars.
Police has decided to form special squads to keep a close watch on the activities of these places.
Police commissioner RP Sharma said on Wednesday that a joint team comprising excise department officials and policemen will conduct surprise raids on dance bars.
Strong action will be taken against these places and their owners for operating dance bars illegally, he said.
Sharma said the police are examining legality involved in installing CCTVs in the bars where dancing is being held.
The Excise department of the State government has also warned all the bars in the capital city to adhere to stipulated guidelines or face consequences.
Notably, the department cancels licence of bars if norms are flouted by them. Recently the police Commissioner has recommended to cancel licence of six bars.
As per the regulation laid down by Section 25 of Odisha, Bihar Excise Act, 1915, girls or women cannot be engaged in dancing inside a bar.
