Chennai Police raided a pub on Saturday night for running beyond permissible hours, allegedly prompted by some people who wanted to take revenge on the pub management. The people who were involved in settling scores also took help from a section of the media to defame the pub as the videos of the raid were broadcasted on several local news channels including Thanthi TV, Polimer News and NewsTamil 24x7, reported The Indian Express.
The report stated that the pub management then called the police seeking protection as they saw a few local channel crew arriving at the spot which were allegedly called by the group after the argument over their entry into the pub.
The TV channels that filmed the women guests at the pub were criticised by the general public as well as renowned figures including playback singer Chinmayi Sripada. The reporters who engaged in what several dubbed ‘pub shaming’ chased and harassed women, making inappropriate comments.
In the visuals, which were aired on several TV channels, some women can be seen running out of the pub, covering their faces with kerchiefs and helmets.
Complete Incident
Police said that a few people who were in an inebriated state visited the pub and ordered some drinks but the pub management refused as it was already 11.30, closing time for the pub, as per the government’s order. The group who was denied to serve questioned the presence of others inside the pub after which an argument broke out between pub staff and the group, who also threatened the pub management of dire consequences.
The pub management then called the police seeking protection as they saw a few local channel crew arriving at the spot which were allegedly called by the group after the argument over their entry into the pub.
Meanwhile, a police official said they have brought the issue to the notice of the city police commissioner as they cannot allow ‘media power’ to be abused for personal agenda.