The Crime Branch’s Unit 2 recently conducted a raid on a hookah parlour in the upscale Ramnagar area for allegedly serving hookah to customers. The operation, executed under the jurisdiction of the Ambazari police station, has raised concerns about selective enforcement, with sources claiming that authorities often target newly opened cafés while allowing established parlours to operate without interference.Hookah parlours have become increasingly popular among college students and minors, particularly in neighborhoods like Bajaj Nagar, Ambazari, and Sadar.
Despite their late-night operations, local police stations reportedly remain passive, with enforcement primarily falling to the Crime Branch. Industry insiders suggest that newer establishments face more rigorous scrutiny, while older cafés continue running smoothly, leading to suspicions of potential connections between law enforcement and certain parlour operators.Some café owners, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, acknowledged serving hookah but claimed that authorities selectively target new businesses.
One owner stated, “Police are aware of the trend but mainly act against newly opened cafés, while long-established ones remain untouched.”This is not the first instance of controversy surrounding hookah parlour raids in Nagpur. In October 2024, a police raid on a parlour in Gokulpeth led to allegations of assault, with the operator accusing police personnel of injuring him after he refused to pay a bribe of Rs 35,000. The individual subsequently filed a complaint with Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Kumar Singal.In response to these concerns, officials emphasized that any illegal business in the city would face strict action, but lawful cafés had nothing to fear. They stated, “If no illegal activities are taking place, there is no reason to be concerned.”
