Protesters, bouncers lock horns at bar in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: A group of people allegedly tried to enter Nartaki Bar and Restaurant on Residency Road by beating drums on Saturday, resulting in a clash with bouncers who stopped them.
Ashokanagar police registered a case against the representatives of Karnataka State Labour Council (KSLC) based on a complaint filed by the bar's staff. Another case was registered against the bouncers of the bar following a complaint filed by KSLC workers.
Police said around 15 people were trying to stage a protest against 'club culture' in front of Nartaki bar and adjacent Mehandi bar at 11.30pm. The bouncers asked them to leave the place, leading to the skirmish.
Ravishetty Baindoor, state president of KSLC, said his organisation has been staging protests against illegal clubs and pubs for the last nine days at Freedom Park. He alleged that clubs and pubs violate rules and court directions. They charge exorbitant rates for liquor and water, and do not pay tax for making more money. They hire innocent girls and misuse them for their business, he alleged.
"We want all irregularities and illegal activities in the clubs and pubs to be stopped. So, we informed the police control room and decided to stage a protest by beating drums. The bouncers gathered outside the bar and assaulted us when we started to protest around 50 metres from their bar," said Baindoor. He said they have complained to the home minister about alleged illegal activities in the bar.
Police said they came to know about the clash and rushed to the spot. They managed to disperse the crowd. "We'll summon the suspects in both cases," they added.