Cops to act against Chinese food stalls

The social service branch (SSB) of the Mumbai police will be taking stern action against eateries that operate late in the night, in violation of the law.

The social service branch (SSB) of the Mumbai police will be taking stern action against eateries that operate late in the night, in violation of the law.

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The SSB is particularly looking at those who sell liquor illegally under the pretext of selling eatables. Under the police scanner are stalls that sell Chinese food. Police suspect these stalls are patronised by criminals during late hours.

Assistant commissioner of police (SSB) Vasant Dhobale said they had received information that many stalls selling Chinese food indulge in illegal activities.

“We have been keeping a strict vigil on such activities. Cases have already been registered in the jurisdiction of the Vakola police and the RCF police in the recent past,” Dhobale said.

He said police had seized illegal gas cylinders from such stalls as well. “Henceforth, we will ensure such stalls are shut by 11 pm to avoid illegal activities,” the officer said.

Former IPS officer and advocate YP Singh said the majority of the stalls that operate on the footpaths or on roads violate Supreme Court orders that says no cooking on footpaths.

“We have found numerous times that shady characters gather at such stalls and drink and cause trouble,” he said, adding that police action against such stalls was justified.