Police in northern India have detained eight people after raiding two gay clubs. According to a police statement, the two gay clubs in Lucknow had been operating under the guise of counseling centers for people with AIDS.

Lucknow district police chief B.B. Bakshi said that the eight were charged with abetment of sodomy, an illegal act in India, and with criminal conspiracy. Pornographic material was also found at the club.

The police also said that the arrested persons revealed that at least three gay clubs have been operating under similar garb and together the bars have an estimated membership of at least 500.

Investigations are underway to pin down others connected with the bars.

Bakshi said the gays were found out when a senior police officer intervened in a dispute over payment between a youth and one of his customers.

While sodomy is illegal in India, homosexuality is largely taboo especially in smaller cities.