A late-night enforcement drive in Dehradun took an unusual turn after a senior police officer was allegedly present at a bar operating beyond permitted hours, prompting the Uttarakhand Police headquarters to seek a detailed report within 24 hours.
The incident took place on Saturday night at the ‘Romeo Lane’ bar on Rajpur Road, which was reportedly functioning past the prescribed closing time. Dehradun Police have enforced a strict 11 pm deadline for all pubs and nightclubs since March 30.
Acting on information that the bar remained open around 1 am, a police team led by City SP Pramod Kumar reached the spot to enforce closure.
POLICE ACTION AND ALLEGED INTERVENTION
Reports and a video shared by CPI-ML state secretary Indresh Maikhuri alleged that the bar was operational till around 12.30 am and that the presence of a senior officer prevented police from shutting it down.
It was claimed that Rajiv Swarup, Inspector General of Police (Garhwal range), was present at the location and intervened during the police action, leading to a temporary halt in enforcement. The police team was reportedly unable to proceed with closure at that stage.
The situation later escalated, following which Dehradun SSP Pramendra Singh Dobal reached the spot and ensured the bar was shut.
IG DENIES ALLEGATIONS
Responding to the controversy, IG Swarup denied the allegations of attending a late-night party or obstructing police action.
He said he was passing through the area with his family and objected only to what he described as an unusually large police deployment. “Incorrect information is being spread about my presence,” he said.
Taking serious note of the reports, Additional Director General (Law and Order) V Murugesan has asked both the IG Garhwal and the Dehradun SSP to submit a comprehensive report within 24 hours.
Officials said CCTV footage is being examined to establish the sequence of events and verify competing claims.
CRACKDOWN AFTER BRIGADIER’S DEATH
The strict enforcement of closing hours follows the death of 74-year-old retired Brigadier Mukesh Joshi in a shooting incident linked to a late-night establishment.
Joshi was killed on March 30 after a dispute between two groups escalated into firing near Johri village on Mussoorie Road. The altercation was reportedly connected to the ‘Gen Z’ nightclub, which had remained open beyond permitted hours the previous night.
– Ends
With PTI inputs
Published By:
Priyanka Kumari
Published On:
Apr 28, 2026 11:00 IST
