Activists of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) vandalized a dance bar in Navi Mumbai late Saturday night, causing significant damage and sparking a police investigation. The incident occurred at the "Night Riders Bar" on the outskirts of Panvel.
According to police officials, a group of MNS workers stormed into the bar and allegedly vandalized furniture, smashed liquor bottles, and caused extensive damage to the property. Videos circulating on social media depict broken tables, shattered glass, and a ransacked interior.
The vandalism follows a recent statement by MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who criticized the increasing number of dance bars in the Raigad district. Thackeray stated that it is inappropriate to have so many dance bars in the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. MNS functionaries echoed this sentiment, stating that such "obscenity" would not be allowed to thrive in Panvel or anywhere else in the state.
The Panvel police have taken cognizance of the incident and initiated a probe. Authorities are collecting CCTV footage and taking statements from witnesses. A senior police official emphasized that "no one is above the law".
The incident occurred around midnight on Saturday. MNS workers, allegedly armed with sticks, raided the "Night Rider" bar. The pub, located close to the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, was targeted for allegedly operating late at night.
The MNS has a history of taking aggressive action against establishments they deem to be against cultural values. This incident is the latest in a series of such actions, and it remains to be seen what the outcome of the police investigation will be.
