Nightclub hosting party raided, 31 held in Delhi

TNN | Updated: Jul 16, 2020, 09:06 IST

Cops found all tables occupied by guests smoking and drinking

NEW DELHI: Thirty-one people, including seven women, were arrested for partying at a nightclub in Paschim Vihar on Tuesday night. Police found that the club was not only hosting the party, but also serving hookah and liquor that are banned during the pandemic.
The club named “Playgue” was being run in the garb of a restaurant with a takeaway facility. Police officers were tipped off about the party after several cars parked outside led to a snarl on the road. When a police team reached the club, it found that the dance floor was operational and all tables had guests smoking and drinking.

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Of late, Delhi has made positive strides in controlling the speed at which the coronavirus is spreading. Such acts of irresponsible merriment could endanger this progress and even reverse it. Apart from imposing harsh fines, offences like these, which clearly endanger public health, should be treated as criminal acts. Early deterrence is the best way of ensuring others aren’t tempted to go the same way.

Police seized four quarters and seven bottles of liquor of different brands, 77 beer bottles and eight hookahs. “We have sealed the club and will conduct a Covid-19 test on all the visitors. If any of them are found positive, they will be booked for additional violations under various sections of IPC,” said a police officer.

Police seized four quarters and seven bottles of liquor of different brands, 77 beer bottles and eight hookahs
The club owner, Lavish Khurana, and his brother, Kashish Khurana, were also present at the party. They have been booked under IPC Section 188 (violation of government order), and under various sections of Excise Act, Epidemic Diseases Act, Disaster Management Act and Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act. It was also found that the club did not have a licence to serve liquor.

Police officers were tipped off about the party after several cars parked outside led to a snarl on the road

Cops also found liquor stocked in the club premises to be served to the customers
During questioning, one of the visitors told police that the club had formed a WhatsApp group of customers who had visited it earlier. On Monday, a message was posted that the club would open for select members. The music was kept at a low volume to avoid attracting the attention of people in the neighbourhood. Cops also found liquor stocked in the club premises to be served to the customers.