Pune: Bavdhan Police took action against an unauthorized hookah parlor operating at Bombay Bistro Restro Bar in Mahalunge on January 12. This raid followed concerns over unlicensed hookah services being offered in the area. Police seized equipment worth ₹6,400 and filed a case against two individuals, identified as Soumyaranjan Shishirkumar Behera (21) and Rahul Shrikant Kulkarni (37).
The raid was conducted after police received a tip-off regarding the illegal operation. Upon investigation, it was found that the restaurant had failed to create a designated hookah zone and had allowed customers to gather in a common area to consume food and hookah together. This setup was in violation of the rules governing hookah parlors.
According to the police, the hookah services were being operated without proper permits. A formal complaint was filed by police officer Dattatray Shinde. During the raid, hotel staff member Soumyaranjan Behera and manager Rahul Kulkarni were charged under relevant laws.
Speaking with mediapersons, Senior Police Inspector Anil Vibhute of Bavdhan Police Station revealed additional details, stating, “The liquor license for the hotel is registered under a woman’s name, as discovered during the initial investigation. Efforts are underway to trace the hotel owner. We are also looking into whether the establishment has partners and whether a rental agreement is in place.”
This is not the first instance of unauthorized activities in the Bavdhan area. A few days prior, a liquor party hosted by a businessman had also come under scrutiny. The police have emphasized their commitment to cracking down on illegal activities in the area and ensuring compliance with the law.
