The police also alleged that the establishment was operating music or entertainment facilities without the required permission and had installed multicoloured disco lighting.
| Photo Credit: Image for representational purpose
The Central Crime Branch (CCB), Bengaluru, has registered a case against the management of a bar and restaurant on Kengal Hanumanthaiah Road in Shanthinagar, alleging multiple violations of excise, tobacco control, police and other laws. The case was registered on Saturday (August 22, 2026) based on a report submitted by Police Inspector Prakash S. J. following an inspection of Telehaus Hotels Private Limited Ladies Service Bar and Restaurant.According to the police, an inspection was conducted on July 31, 2026, during which officials collected CCTV backup footage and inspected the premises. The report alleges that the establishment was operating in violation of various guidelines and regulations issued by the Supreme Court, the Karnataka High Court, and the Karnataka government.The police have charged Col. Fredrick D’Sa, managing director of Telehaus Hotels Pvt. Ltd., as the prime accused, along with Shershad, who allegedly holds the premises under a lease agreement. One of the major allegations concerns CCTV surveillance. The police said gaps were found in the recordings on several dates, including during late-night and early-morning hours. According to the police, the missing footage raised suspicion that the cameras may have been switched off or that the recordings had been deleted.The report further states that around nine women were working at the establishment, while a similar number of male employees were engaged in various roles. The police alleged that the women were required to stand inside cubicles in front of customers.Another allegation relates to the employee registration certificate, or “Naukaranama”. According to the police, the certificate produced by the establishment was valid from September 3, 2025, to June 30, 2026, while the certificate for the subsequent period was still under process.The police also alleged that the establishment was operating music or entertainment facilities without the required permission and had installed multicoloured disco lighting. Other alleged violations included the absence of proper smoking-zone signage, inadequate signage for the women’s toilet, and unhygienic toilet conditions. Among the other allegations, the police said the seating arrangement did not conform to the approved building blueprint and that liquor was allegedly being sold at prices higher than the prescribed rates. The police also alleged that women employees were being engaged on a rotational basis without proper appointment or offer letters, and that the management was unable to produce documents relating to Provident Fund (PF) and Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) contributions. The report further states that no effective age-screening mechanism was found to prevent entry of minors. The case has been registered invoking provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Karnataka Police Act, 1963, the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COTPA) and the Karnataka Excise Act, 1965, among other applicable rules and regulations.The police said the case was registered after obtaining permission from the First Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Court, Bengaluru, and that further investigation is under way. Published - August 26, 2026 06:57 pm IST
