Disabled denied entry into city bar

AAP govt seeks report

The Delhi government has ordered a probe into the alleged denial of entry to a disabled rights activist into an upscale bar and restaurant in a south Delhi mall.

The Friday evening incident has sparked outrage from rights activists.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has asked the Sub Divisional Magistrate of Vasant Vihar to submit a factual report to his office by March 10.

Nipun Malhotra, the wheelchair-bound activist, was allegedly told by the security people and the manager of Keya in DLF Promenade Mall that he would not be allowed inside as he was disabled. He was born with arthrogryposis, a rare congenital disorder, which leads to lack of muscles in arms and legs.

“When one of my friends politely told the management that they are expecting a friend who is disabled and would come on a wheelchair, the manager told that the club’s policy would not allow him to enter,” Malhotra said.

“My friends told the manager I could perfectly move around on wheels,” he added.
The restaurant denied the charges, saying that it was merely trying to prevent stag entries during the festive rush. “Nipun wasn’t denied entry because he was differently abled. In fact, we denied entry to a lot of groups,” Keya general manager Premjit Kumar said.

“We just want people to be aware; they (restaurant) should give a public apology for denying him entry,” Raghu, Malhotra’s friend, said.

“Without commenting on the merits of any individual case till the inquiry findings come out, the Delhi government makes it clear that the capital should lead by examples on how people from all segments of society have a right to live their lives honourably,” the Delhi government said in a statement.