Mumbai: Police raid 'gay' party, 22 arrested

Mahesh Patil, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone XI, said a few homosexual men were among those who attended the party. "They were playing music late at night without permission, which is why the place was raided. Some gay men were also present there but no sexual activity had taken place," he said.

Another party organiser told Newsline that usually for private parties, 20 permissions have to be sought. Sibi, who organises parties for the LGBT community frequently, said he generally tries to host parties at places that already have all permissions. The permissions include excise, photographic performance permit, licence for the dance floor and licence for the DJ.

"We also need to inform the police that we are having such a party. Police have been very supportive so far. We hardly faced any trouble at our parties. There was an issue a year ago when a local politician asked the police to raid our party for no valid reason. We had raised the issue and police drew flak, but since then there has been no trouble," he said.

(With inputs from Manasi Phadke)

ALSO READ

It’s home sweat home for these Mhada lottery winners

LBT protest starts to hurt the kitchen

In a first, BMC to survey children under 14

Teen raped at birthday party, sold to man