84 Rescued from Hookah Parlours in Midnight Raids Nagpur police conducted three midnight raids in the Gokulpeth area, rescuing 84 individuals from illegal hookah parlors that operated as hazardous, confined spaces. The operation, led by Chief Police Officer Ravinder Singal, Deputy Commissioner of Police Rashmitha Rao, and Nityanand Jha, uncovered severe safety violations at three establishments disguised as hospitality venues. At one of the raided cafes, operated by Dnyaneshwar Paunikar, police discovered 29 people—including 17 men, 5 women, and staff—smoking hookah in densely packed, smoke-filled rooms. The premises were found to contain hookah pots, flavored tobacco products, gas cylinders, furniture, and other materials used for illicit operations. A second raid targeted a cafe run by Sheikh Sameer, where 41 individuals, including 23 men, 3 women, and 14 staff members, were allegedly trapped for several hours. Customers were reportedly prevented from exiting as hookah sessions continued, prompting police to call the fire brigade. Emergency responders forcibly opened exits, ensuring the safe evacuation of all trapped individuals. The third raid occurred at a cafe owned by Arslan Faim Mirza, where the premises were locked from the outside. Inside, 14 people—9 men and 4 women along with staff—were allegedly confined. Firefighters had to break open the entrance to rescue them. Following the raids, cases were registered under the Bombay Prevention of Wrongful Confinement Act (BNS) for wrongful restraint and confinement, as well as provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, and the Maharashtra Police Act.#nagpur #rashmitha_rao #ravinder_singal #gokulpeth #nityanand_jha
