Hyderabad undercover cop exposes 'sex racket' at pub; 9 taken into custody

By: Manvi Vyas

HYDERABAD: A discrete late-night operation led by Kukatpally DCP Ritiraj, who personally went undercover following a tip-off, resulted in a surprise police raid at a pub in Kukatpally Housing Board Colony (KPHB) on Saturday night, with nine staff members, including four women and five men, being taken into custody for alleged soliciting activities and other regulatory violations.

During the inspection at Kings and Queens (Club Masti) Pub, police found prima facie evidence that the management was allegedly using women to attract male customers and generate inflated bills, while also facilitating soliciting.

"Soliciting was evident during the inspection, while the possibility of prostitution is still under investigation," Kukatpally DCP Ritiraj told TOI, adding that the establishment appeared to be functioning as a platform encouraging such activities.

The DCP clarified that the four women brought from the premises were being treated as witnesses and not as accused.

Sources said the operation was launched after police received credible intelligence regarding suspicious activities inside the pub. Following the verification exercise, police teams carried out the raid.

According to police, the pub was also allegedly operating beyond permitted timings, serving liquor and food in violation of regulations, functioning without a valid police no objection certificate (NOC) and without adequate measures to prevent the entry of minors.

Investigators said the trade licence was in the name of Prasad Reddy, while the premises were being run by Murali Krishna and managed by Ravindra.

Police officials said the process for cancellation of the establishment's licence had already been initiated and that it had allegedly continued operations despite not obtaining the required permissions.

"The other arrested are all staff members and would be used as witnesses in the court," an official from KPHB police station said.

Police have seized the DVR system and are examining surveillance footage and other electronic evidence to identify additional persons connected with the case. Details of vehicles found at the premises have also been collected.

The pub had earlier been booked in three separate cases related to operating beyond permissible hours.

A fresh case has been registered under Sections 223, 292 and 318(4) read with 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 5 and 8 of the PIT Act. Further investigation is underway.

The raid was conducted by Kukatpally DCP Ritiraj IPS along with additional DCP Shameer, DI K S Ravi and other police personnel.