Nagpur: A late-night police operation in Nagpur’s Dighori area has brought an alleged illegal hookah operation under scrutiny. A special police team, along with personnel from Wathoda Police Station, conducted a raid at Texas Smoking Shop on Umred Road after receiving information about the alleged serving of tobacco-based hookah without the necessary permission.
The raid reportedly took place at around 2:30 am, with panch witnesses present during the proceedings. According to the police, the team found hookah-related activities taking place at the premises and questioned the shop staff regarding the required licence and permissions.
Manager Questioned During Raid
Police identified the shop manager as Omkar Sandeep Madavi and alleged that he was providing tobacco-based hookah to customers at the time of the operation. Officials reportedly asked him to produce the relevant documents permitting such activity, but no valid permission was presented.
During the subsequent inquiry, police learned that the premises were owned by Avinash Parvatal Pandey.
Cash and Hookah Equipment Seized
The search of the shop led to the recovery of ₹38,100 in cash. Police also seized hookah pots in different sizes, pipes, flavoured tobacco products and other materials allegedly connected with the operation.
The combined value of the seized property has been estimated by police at ₹94,240.
Investigation Continues
A case has been registered at Wathoda Police Station against the shop owner and manager under relevant provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) and the Maharashtra Police Act.
Investigators are now looking into how long the alleged activity had been taking place and whether anyone else was connected with the operation.
The raid was conducted by a joint team of the special police unit and Wathoda Police under the guidance of Police Commissioner Vishwas Nangre Patil.