Nagpur: In a recent crackdown, the Crime Branch conducted raids at Nimbus and Sosha Cafes located in the Gokulpeth area, uncovering illicit hookah smoking activities at both establishments. The raids revealed a flagrant violation of regulations, as customers were found smoking tobacco-based hookahs, contrary to the permitted herbal variants.
The initial raid targeted Nimbus Lounge situated at Laxmi Krupa Apartment, Gokulpeth, prompted by intelligence indicating that the cafe was operating a hookah parlor disguised as a restaurant. Despite regulations mandating the use of herbal hookahs only, non-herbal variants were reportedly available. During the raid, youths were caught smoking hookahs at separate tables, leading to a case being filed against cafe operator Sheikh Sameer Vakil Ahmed (30) under relevant sections of the COTPA Act.
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Thursday 09 Jan. 2025
Subsequently, a raid was conducted at Sosha Cafe, where similar violations were discovered. Youths were found smoking hookahs at multiple tables, resulting in the filing of a case against cafe operator Ajay Kishore Singh (26). Law enforcement authorities confiscated hookah pots, pipes, and assorted tobacco flavors from both establishments as evidence.
In a separate operation, the Crime Branch also raided Cuba Sports Cafe & Lounge at Gotmare Market in Sitabuldi, where waiters were found offering hookahs to customers. Prafulla Ashok Choudhary (38) and Pranay Chandrashekhar Mahajan (24), the respective operators of the cafe, are now facing legal consequences for their involvement in the illicit activity.
These raids underscore the commitment of law enforcement agencies to uphold regulations and curb unlawful practices, ensuring public health and safety within the community.
