Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar has suspended Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) Sharad Nivrutti Navale after an internal inquiry revealed he was accepting bribes to shield an illegal hookah bar in Mohammadwadi. The suspension marks a significant step in the city’s ongoing battle against illicit businesses and police misconduct, sending a clear warning to officers who enable criminal activity.
The investigation began after authorities received intelligence about illegal hookah operations at BBC Rooftop Kitchen and Bar, the largest hookah lounge in Pune, which began operating in April 2025. During questioning, the bar owner, Parth Anil Walhekar, admitted to paying PSI Navale a monthly bribe of ₹30,000 to ensure the lounge could operate without police interference. The first cash payment was made on April 10, followed by an online transfer of ₹30,000 on May 12 through an intermediary, Hanumant Gaikwad Patil, at Navale’s request.
On May 18, a joint team from the Pune Crime Branch and Kalepadal Police raided the BBC Rooftop bar, uncovering 57 youngsters smoking hookah at 16 tables—marking the city’s largest illegal hookah bar bust to date. The raid confirmed suspicions that Navale’s alleged involvement had enabled the business to flourish in defiance of the law.
Based on evidence that a total of ₹90,000 in bribes had been accepted, Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr. Rajkumar Shinde issued an immediate suspension order for PSI Navale. The disciplinary action is part of a wider crackdown on police corruption and illegal businesses in Pune, as Commissioner Amitesh Kumar reiterates his zero-tolerance policy for officers colluding with criminal enterprises.
Officials emphasized that Navale’s misconduct not only allowed illegal operations to thrive but also seriously damaged the reputation and integrity of the police department. “Police officers must adhere to the rules, or they will face strict action. We are committed to a corruption-free force,” Commissioner Kumar warned in a recent statement.
Earlier this year, PSI Vishal Pawar was suspended for colluding with another illegal hookah parlour in Wanawadi, accepting monthly bribes and tipping off owners about impending raids. Investigations revealed a pattern of regular communication and monetary exchanges between officers and bar owners, highlighting the systemic nature of the problem.
In addition to suspensions, several officers have been fined, transferred, or placed under further investigation for similar offences, as Pune Police intensify efforts to clean up the force and restore public trust.
The crackdown has been welcomed by civic activists and the general public, who have long demanded stricter enforcement against illegal hookah bars and greater accountability within the police. Many see this as a turning point in Pune’s fight against both corruption and the proliferation of unlawful nightlife establishments.
