Bars in Bhubaneswar under scanner; engagement of minor girls to invite punishment

With the suicide of Subhalaxmi Sahu acting as a wake-up call, the Excise department has now been in action mode. The department will take stringent action against the bar owners who will employ minor girls in their bars. 

The department will conduct surprise raids at all the bars in Bhubaneswar. For this, the department has formed a special squad. 

“As we are receiving allegations, we have formed a special team that will probe the allegations and find out if the 18 bars in Bhubaneswar have done any illegality and if any violation is detected, we will recommend strict action against those involved,” informed Pradeep Pattanayak, Superintendent of Excise Department, Bhubaneswar. 

Meanwhile, the chairperson of the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) has expressed her concern over the death of Subhalaxmi, a Plus II student. 

After coming to know that the minor girl (Subhalaxmi Sahu) was engaged at a bar, chairperson of OSCPCR Mandakinee Kar has sought a report from the DCP and directed the police to arrest the persons who engage minor girls at bars. 

“Taking suo motu cognizance of the case, we have directed the DCP to submit post-mortem reports and other documents within seven days. We have also asked the police to arrest the main accused immediately,” said Kar.