Nagpur: Bars and cafés found flouting closure timing norms have come under the scanner of city cops, with multiple places raided on early Sunday. Acting under ‘Operation Thunder’, teams from the Crime Branch, Anti-Narcotics Squad, and local police stations carried out surprise inspections across the city, targeting establishments suspected of staying open beyond the allowed hours.The crackdown, led under the directives of commissioner of police Ravinder Singal, revealed multiple violations. A cafe in Dharampeth’s Mangalam Complex under Ambazari police station, a famous bar-cum-restaurant at Coffee House Chowk, and a lounge in the same spot under Sitabuldi police were found operating as late as 4 am, serving food and liquor well past the permissible 1:30 am deadline. The excise department has taken action against the Ambazari cafe, whereas the other two have been booked under the Maharashtra Police Act for violations.A senior officer told TOI that while no arrests were made, the raids also aimed to identify spots potentially engaged in the sale of fake or substandard liquor, a rising concern in late-night venues. Though no fake liquor was found, officials confirmed that such checks will continue regularly.Commissioner Singal has made it clear that violations threatening public order will not be tolerated. He warned all hospitality operators to strictly adhere to timing regulations and added that surprise inspections will be conducted year-round as part of Operation Thunder.
