The Delhi government on Sunday issued a probe into the incident where a restaurant at Connaught Place allegedly denied service to street children.
‘This is typical Colonial mindset. Can't be tolerated. Have ordered DM New Delhi to enquire & report within 24 hours,’ Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia tweeted.
Sonali, who has lodged the case against the Shiv Sagar restaurant told ANI that the restaurateurs' told her and the children to vacate the premises immediately as it is their right to serve whomever they want.
"They clearly told us to get and also threatened to shoot me if I don't clear out from the premises. The owner discriminated with kids and refused service citing that kids aren't well dressed and are look dirty. Nevertheless, I came back and sat down in front of the restaurant in protest. Even the police did not support us," she said.
However, the restaurant has flatly refused the charges by the woman, saying that they had permitted the children to enter but refused service later, as they were creating a ruckus inside and disturbing other customers.
"It is completely untrue that we denied entry to the children, as we have it on record that we allowed them to sit inside. We also never said that we won't provide service to the children. But then the kids were making a lot of noise, tossing things around and creating a commotion. As a restaurateur, I have the right to deny service to someone who disturbs other customers," Roma Malhotra, an employee of the restaurant said.
Sonali has said that she will return to the restaurant on Sunday with more street children and sit outside its door at 4 pm, continuing her protest.
IMAGE: Sonali Shetty speaking to the media about the alleged discrimination against poor children. Photograph: ANI/Twitter
