The Bengaluru City Crime Branch (CCB) has cracked down on an alleged rave party in a luxury service villa in the upscale IPS Layout area of HSR Layout. Based on intelligence inputs, the CCB Women’s Wing conducted a surprise raid on the venue and arrested three individuals behind it who were alleged to be organising the event. The operation also led to the seizure of prohibited hookahs, e-cigarettes and a lot of alcohol bottles.
Police sources said the rave party was taking place at ‘C-9’ Service Villa in Sector 6 of HSR Layout, one of Bengaluru’s key residential districts. Organisers chose the site because of its safety and lack of visibility to law enforcement, police investigators said. The party continued throughout the night with people in the villa enjoying the music and drinks.
Initial investigations revealed that invitations to the event were sent via a social networking application called “Amigos.” Organisers had used the site to attract young men and women to the party. Entry was charged to male participants at a cost of ₹1,099 and female participants at a cost of ₹499. Police said the event was a commercial event and entry fees had been paid by the participants before they could enter the villa.
The organisers had booked the villa through the hospitality service for a daily rental charge of about ₹20,000, the police said. Inside the villa, guests had an all-night party at which alcohol was available. Investigators also found prohibited hookah equipment and e-cigarettes that were allegedly being used at the venue in violation of relevant regulations.
As soon as the CCB received credible information about the gathering, a special team was sent out to conduct the raid. Officers stormed the building and brought the event to a halt. Women present at the venue were well-protected and offered assistance during the operation. The police said the safety and well-being of the participants was the primary focus of the raid.
A thorough search of the villa resulted in the seizure of several prohibited goods such as hookah equipment, e-cigarettes and many bottles of alcohol. All that has been taken into evidence and will be part of the investigation. Authorities are also examining whether any other violations of law took place during the event.
The CCB has arrested three people, Dikshit, Vedant Pandit and Shankar, for organising and managing the rave party. They are being questioned about the planning, promotion and execution of the event. Investigators are also looking into money transfers for the party, including entry fee collections and venue rental arrangements.
In addition to the arrests, police have registered a case against the villa owner for allegedly allowing the property to be used in violation of applicable rules and regulations. Legal proceedings have been initiated at the HSR Layout Police Station, and further investigation is ongoing.
This incident underlines Bengaluru Police’s continued efforts to curb illegal gatherings and enforce public safety regulations. Organisers and property owners who facilitate unlawful events will face strict action, according to city regulations and public order laws, police say.
