The crackdown on illegal nightlife activities in Bhopal has officially commenced with Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar mandating the ‘Indore Model’ for all bars and clubs. During a high-level meeting with operators, the Commissioner clarified that all establishments must cease operations by 12 midnight. To ensure compliance, a specialised software has been introduced where owners are required to upload a real-time photograph of their closed establishment at midnight. The announcement was immediately followed by a co-ordinated strike against illegal liquor outlets (ahatas) across the capital. On Friday night, teams from the Crime Branch and local police stations executed simultaneous raids at 10 strategic locations.

 

The operations spanned multiple jurisdictions, including Habibganj, Jahangirabad, TT Nagar, MP Nagar, Misrod, Govindpura, Shahjahanabad, Hanumanganj, Nishatpura, Kotwali, and Chhola Mandir. By the end of the night, authorities had registered criminal cases against 73 individuals involved in late-night violations. The Police Commissioner has assigned direct accountability for the success of this model to the respective Station House Officers (SHOs). They are required to conduct regular physical inspections and ensure that every bar and club in their area adheres to the photo-upload protocol. This move follows persistent investigative reporting by

 

‘The Hitavada’ regarding the rising disturbances in the city’s nightlife. Any failure to comply with the timing or reporting standards will trigger immediate punitive measures against the operators. Seventy-Three Booked Under Excise Act Provisions: Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Shailendra Singh Chauhan stated that five specialised teams conducted the raids after identifying establishments operating without valid permits. Many venues were found serving liquor illegally beyond permissible hours. Despite attempts by several suspects to evade arrest during the surprise inspections, 73 individuals were apprehended.

 

All accused have been booked under Section 36(B) of the Excise Act, and separate proceedings are being initiated against the operators of illegal ‘ahatas’. While the first day of enforcement has seen a significant number of cases, the focus now shifts to the sustainability of this campaign. The ‘Indore Model’ has functioned successfully for years in the neighbouring city, but its long-term impact in Bhopal remains to be seen. Officials emphasised that the campaign is not merely a temporary drive but a systemic change aimed at dismantling the deep-rooted illegal nightlife culture.