Delhi Police registers case against eatery for rebuffing poor children

A day after Delhi Government initiated a probe into the incident in which a prominent restaurant in Connaught Place here allegedly denied entry to poor children accompanied by a woman, the city police today registered a non-cognisable report in the matter.

"We have received complaints from both the parties involved in the matter, which were thoroughly examined. On the basis of the complaint by the woman, a non-cognisable report under Section 506 (criminal intimidation) of IPC has been registered," a senior police official said.

The woman, Sonali Shetty, who is a writer by profession, had taken some street children for lunch to the restaurant to celebrate her husband's birthday on Saturday, but they were allegedly denied service by the staff of the eatery.

Following this, she protested outside the restaurant and also called up the police control room. She was with her husband who is in the Army.

Sonali complained to police that the restaurant owner's relative and staff had misbehaved with her and the children and also threatened them, the official said.

Last evening, she and the children were allegedly again denied entry by the eatery staff following which she protested there again.

"I will continue my fight and at this moment I am waiting for Delhi Government's enquiry report which was delayed because of lack of witnesses. But now two witnesses have come forward," Sonali said.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had yesterday termed the incident as an example of typical "colonial mindset" and said if the allegations against the restaurant are found to be true its licence will be cancelled.

He also ordered the District Magistrate of New Delhi to conduct an inquiry into the incident and submit a report into the matter within 24 hours.