Malvani raids: State human rights panel issues summons to police chief

On August 10, The Indian Express had reported that the raids were allegedly carried out following “unverified” tip-off that “prostitution like activities” were taken place in beach lodges.

Taking suo motu cognisance of the police action, the Commission asked for a detailed report on the procedure the police had followed.

The Mumbai Police had booked 13 couples for alleged indecent behaviour after knocking on hotel rooms and carting them away to Malvani police station. The
26 were fined under Section 110 (indecent behaviour in public) of the Bombay Police Act, while three cases were registered for alleged prostitution under the Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act.

Bannurmath said that from media reports, the police appear to have “done wrong” and added that only summons have been issued, an inquiry has not been set up.
“The police need to be given sufficient time. We will initiate our inquiry only after receiving details. If we come to know innocent persons were troubled unnecessarily, we will take action,” Bannurmath added.

The MSHRC had received a few complaints through e-mails of citizens but not the victims so far.

The “raid” on August 6 started at 3 pm and the couples were detained for five hours and allowed to leave only after they paid the fine. Police sources said a special team was formed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police Vikram Deshmane, and two hotels and two cottages were “marked” for raids.

Last week, the police commissionerate had asked additional commissioner Fateh Singh Patil to probe the manner in which police conducted the raids and detained the 13 couples. The report is yet to be submitted.

rohit.alok@expressindia.com