Mumbai:
If you like dancing or wearing party clothes, then Mumbai, often described as India's Manhattan, is not the place for you.
On Sunday night, the Mumbai Police devoted their energy and time to visiting a suburban bar where young call centre employees were enjoying their time off. Seventy-one young people were detained for their dance moves and the clothes they were wearing. Eyewitnesses say some couples were holding hands. And nothing more. But they were charged with "indecent behaviour."
Three hours later, they were released, but nearly 30 of them paid a fine of Rs 1200 each. Seriously.
Online, the Mumbai Police is being reamed. ''Can Mumbai Police publish a list of decent dance steps?" posted one surfer.
Police sources say senior officers are also unhappy with the action taken. There were no drugs being used at the bar, and no sign of underage drinking.
Many Mumbai citizens point out that in a city where a journalist was shot dead in a crowded market, or where women are frequently attacked, perhaps the police should be focusing on larger matters than curbing 20-somethings who think they can dance.
''There are far more important issues for the police to address. Why aren't they looking at that? My mother was attacked on the street outside our house. But the police have a problem with youngsters dancing!'' said activist Nitin Karani.