Goa: Order issued for closure of 9 night clubs in Calangute

Panaji: Nine night clubs in Goa’s famous Calangute village have been closed by the district administration after police report claimed that these places were being run as “dance bars”.

“The district administration has imposed section 144 (prohibition of assembly) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 against nine night clubs located in Calangute village,” Superintendent of Police (North) Umesh Gaonkar said on Monday.

The order has prohibited these clubs from operating for 60 days between August 12 to October 8, 2015, he added. The order, the copy of which is with PTI, mentions that these clubs are prohibited from operating “in view of the prevailing situation in Calangute area regarding the dance bar activities carried out by these hotels or clubs.” In the past, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, along with other villagers had complained to the police that few of these places were doubling up as prostitution dens.

“The district administration’s order is based on the police report, which says that these places are being run like dance bars,” Gaonkar added.

At least two of these clubs were demolished by angry mob of locals in February this year.

“Even after the demolition, some clubs are trying to re-start. There are complaints against them,” he said.

PTI