Partygoers, hoteliers happy, residents upset

ACP Vasant Dhoble's transfer has evoked mixed reactions. While hoteliers and partygoers are thrilled, activists and Mumbaiites who live close to such joints are unhappy.

ACP Vasant Dhoble's transfer has evoked mixed reactions. While hoteliers and partygoers are thrilled, activists and Mumbaiites who live close to such joints are unhappy.

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One of the girls who ‘rescued’ from Madness pub in Khar during a raid and spent a month in a rehabilitation centre, is relieved. “We were branded as prostitutes though we just went there to have a great time,” said the girl, refusing to be identified. “Our fault was that we were at the pub when the raid took place.”

Krishna Hegde, the Congress legislator from Vile Parle who raised the issue of disruption of the city’s nightlife with CM Prithviraj Chavan, said now that Dhoble has been transferred to his constituency, he expects crackdowns on illegal bars and activities in the area.

Shailesh Shetty, president, Disha Hotels Association, said: “It is good that he has been transferred.”

Activists lashed out at the state. BJP leader and activist Shaina NC said: “The transfer is unfair. He was just doing his job and prostitution and drugs are a concern for all parents.”

“Dhoble’s action was never intended at bringing down the nightlife. He took stringent measures only against establishments violating norms,” said Aftab Siddiqui, chairperson, 33rd Road ALM. “Negative publicity against the crackdown and political pressure led to his transfer.”