CCB Books Shanthinagar Bar Management for Multiple Regulatory Violations

The Central Crime Branch (CCB) of Bengaluru has registered a case against the management of a ladies service bar and restaurant on Kengal Hanumanthaiah Road in Shanthinagar, alleging multiple violations of excise, tobacco control, police, and labour regulations.

The case was registered on Saturday, August 22, 2026, following an inspection report submitted by Police Inspector Prakash S. J. The inspection of Telehaus Hotels Private Limited Ladies Service Bar and Restaurant was carried out on July 31, 2026, during which officials examined the premises and secured CCTV backup footage.

Police have named Col. Fredrick D’Sa, managing director of Telehaus Hotels Pvt. Ltd., as the prime accused, alongside Shershad, who allegedly holds the premises under a lease agreement. The inspection report alleged that the establishment was functioning in violation of guidelines and regulations issued by the Supreme Court, the Karnataka High Court, and the Karnataka government.

According to investigators, one of the primary concerns involved gaps found in the CCTV recordings across several dates, specifically during late-night and early-morning hours. Police stated the missing footage raised suspicions that cameras had been turned off or that recordings had been intentionally deleted.

The inspection report noted that around nine women were employed at the venue alongside a similar number of male staff. Police alleged that the women were made to stand inside cubicles in front of customers. Furthermore, the establishment allegedly employed women on a rotational basis without issuing proper appointment or offer letters, and management failed to furnish records regarding Provident Fund (PF) and Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) contributions.

Other violations highlighted in the report include the use of an employee registration certificate, or Naukaranama, that expired on June 30, 2026, with the renewal still under process. The venue was also found operating music and entertainment facilities with multicoloured disco lighting without the required permissions.

Inspectors also reported that the seating arrangement deviated from the approved building blueprint, liquor was allegedly sold above prescribed rates, and no effective age-screening system was in place to prevent minors from entering. Additional infractions included missing smoking-zone signs, inadequate signage for women's toilets, and unhygienic washrooms.

The case was registered after obtaining permission from the First Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Court in Bengaluru under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Karnataka Police Act, 1963, the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003, and the Karnataka Excise Act, 1965. Further investigation is underway.