Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) activists stormed into a dance bar in Navi Mumbai’s Panvel on Saturday, vandalising the premises in what the party described as a protest against obscenity. The group damaged property and disrupted operations at Night Riders Bar, claiming that such establishments have no place in the “holy land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.”
The incident was captured on film, with damaged furniture, shattered glass, and liquor bottles thrown across the floor. The video swiftly spread across social media, sparking criticism and debate over vigilantism and moral policing.
“Dance bars have no place in the sacred land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. We will not allow such obscenity to thrive in Panvel or anywhere else in the state,” an MNS functionary told reporters on the condition of anonymity.
VIDEO | Maharashtra: MNS workers allegedly vandalised Night Rider Dance Bar in Panvel last night. More details awaited.
(Source: Third party)
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/BBCbSyEiPP
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 3, 2025
Police confirmed the incident and have initiated a formal investigation. Officers are analysing CCTV footage and speaking with eyewitnesses to identify those responsible.
“We have taken cognisance and begun a probe. We are gathering the CCTV footage and recording the statements of witnesses. Nobody is above the law,” a senior police official said.
ALSO READ: ‘Haryanvi Bol!: Man Fakes Threat to Marathi Worker, Then Delivers Strong Message
Cultural Stand or Lawlessness?
The incident reflects the MNS party’s long-held ideological position of defending Maharashtrian values and opposing what it sees as cultural degradation. While the party has often framed its actions in terms of protecting traditional morals, critics have accused it of promoting vigilantism.
The management of Night Riders Bar has yet to comment publicly, but sources say the damage is significant, running into lakhs of rupees. The establishment remains closed, and no arrests have been made so far.
This is not the first time MNS members have come under scrutiny for similar actions. Just days before the dance bar incident, a video surfaced showing MNS Kalyan president Ulhas Bhoir confronting staff at a gaming centre in Thane’s Kalyan town. In the video, Bhoir is seen hitting a staffer after claiming that schoolchildren were skipping classes to visit the institution.
Growing Pattern of Moral Policing?
While the party has justified its actions as measures to maintain social order, many individuals doubt the validity and ethics of enforcing the law themselves. Civil society members have raised concerns about the increasing trend of mob-led crackdowns in the name of upholding ideals. Police act quickly in this matter as the incident draws public and media attention.
