Cops raid hookah den

The Navghar police raided a notorious hookah parlour on Thursday afternoon. Following information about nefarious activities, a police team led by Senior Police Inspector Ram E Bhalsingh, swooped down on the hookah joint – Baithak and rounded up 14 people, including 10 staffers and 4 soliciting customers.

Dozens of hookah parlours which have sprung in the twin city that are vice dens and play host to locals, especially youngsters indulging in substance abuse.

“We are acting against such illegalities and will continue to do so, however in case of hookah joints, other concerned agencies have more powers in their arsenal to fight the battle against tobacco. Sadly imposing rules does not seem to be a priority for these agencies, this despite of us passing on information time to time.” said a police officer.

Meanwhile, a case under the relevant sections of the Control of Tobacco Products Act (COPTA) and the Bombay Police Act has been registered.