Hours after MNS chief Raj Thackeray publicly lashed out against dance bars operating in Maharashtra, his party workers took matters into their own hands — literally.
On Saturday night, the Night Riders bar in Panvel was stormed and vandalised by alleged MNS members, leading to chaos, broken glass, and a fresh round of political heat.
“This is Shivaji Maharaj’s land, not for dance bars” — Raj Thackeray’s fiery words
The spark? Raj Thackeray had earlier made a powerful statement, declaring that dance bars have no place in the land once ruled by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He didn’t mince words — clearly warning bar owners that such establishments were not culturally acceptable and wouldn’t be tolerated.
Barely a few hours later, that warning turned into action — or rather, destruction.
Night Riders bar attacked, panic spreads in Panvel
Eyewitnesses say that a group of MNS workers stormed into Night Riders bar, damaged property, and sent customers fleeing. Locals reported hearing loud bangs and seeing people run out of the place in fear.
While the extent of the damage is still being assessed, visuals from the spot show shattered glass, broken chairs, and general mayhem inside the premises.
Police register FIR, ten MNS men booked
The Panvel police were quick to react, registering a First Information Report (FIR) against ten individuals allegedly involved in the attack. A detailed investigation is now underway — not only to hold the culprits accountable but also to verify whether Night Riders was operating with proper licences or in violation of any laws.
“We are examining CCTV footage and checking all the necessary permits of the bar,” a senior police officer confirmed.
Moral policing or political pressure play?
The bigger question now being debated: Was this an act of political vigilantism, or a case of justified moral policing as per regional sentiments?
Raj Thackeray’s supporters argue that dance bars are against Marathi culture and must be shut down. Critics, on the other hand, warn that law enforcement, not party workers, should decide legality — not through threats or violence.
What do you feel? Is this protecting culture, or promoting chaos in the name of tradition? Should party workers take the law into their hands after a leader’s speech?
Tell us what you think.
