Dhoble is upholding the law: RR Patil

ACP Vasant Dhoble’s actions are in keeping with the law, but the state home department will look into complaints about his raids, said home minister RR Patil on Tuesday, breaking his silence on the social service branch’s raids.

ACP Vasant Dhoble’s actions are in keeping with the law, but the state home department will look into complaints about his raids, said home minister RR Patil on Tuesday, breaking his silence on the social service branch’s raids.

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Assistant commissioner of police (ACP) Vasant Dhoble, social service branch head, has caused a furore with his raids on the city’s nightspots.

"Whatever Dhoble is doing is in keeping with the law and the sections under which people are charged are legally approved. I am of the opinion that the law should prevail," said Patil when asked if he supported Dhoble’s actions.

Till now, Dhoble has booked establishments for staying open after its closing time, overcrowding, serving alcohol without licence, using footpaths as extensions, and has also booked patrons for consuming drugs and prostitution.

On Sunday, a march against the ‘moral policing’ of Dhoble was held in Bandra, in which about 200 protesters participated. They were protesting against Dhoble’s crackdowns, which they claim is based on outdated and archaic laws.

Patil insisted his department would not do injustice to citizens. "If anyone has a complaint against Dhoble, they should send it to us; we will conduct an inquiry. Till now, I have received only one complaint and I have asked for a report from the police. As far as the case where two women were booked for prostitution, the court has given its verdict," Patil said.

The social service branch, had raided Masala Curry, a restaurant in Andheri, on June 5.

Two sisters were among the 11 women picked up from the party, which the police claimed was a front for prostitution.

When asked about Dhoble’s methods, — he is said to have carried a hockey stick to a crackdown on a juice centre — Patil declined comment. "I have left it to the commissioner of police (CP) Arup Patnaik".

Dhoble’s Crackdowns

June 9: Shiro Lounge, Worli

The social service branch of the Mumbai police raided the lounge at 1.15 am. Police said the lounge did not have the required licences to function as a discotheque.

June 8: Café Zoe, Lower Parel

Café Zoe at Mathuradas Mills Compound was raided for playing music without a performance licence and breaking a rule about over-crowding.

June 5: Masala Curry, Oshiwara

Social Service Branch arrested 16, including 11 women in a raid on Masala Curry in suburban Oshiwara. While the party organisers were held under the Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act (PITA), the restaurant’s owner and manager were booked, as the restaurant did not have licence to serve alcohol and no permission to play music.

June 25: Spylee, Powai

ACP Vasant Dhoble and his team raided a massage parlour at Powai on Monday and arrested the proprietor of the establishment. The owner of 'Spylee', Mohansingh Thakur, was arrested and booked under the Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act (PITA). Seven girls who were allegedly forced into prostitution were rescued.