Pune: Hookah Lounge Busted in Baner; Five Arrested, Equipment Worth Rs 48,650 Seized
Baner, 10th November 2025: A routine combing operation turned into a major enforcement action on Friday night when the Chaturshrungi Police unearthed an illegal hookah setup along the Aundh–Baner Link Road. The surprise raid led to the arrest of five individuals and the seizure of hookah equipment worth Rs 48,650.
According to officials, the tip-off emerged during a late-night patrol, prompting the team to inspect “Farm Café,” located at Survey No. 224 in Baner. What appeared to be a regular café was allegedly operating a secret hookah lounge within the agricultural premises, where customers were served tobacco-based hookah in violation of state laws.
During the raid, police recovered 20 hookah pots, several flavoured tobacco pouches, and other accessories used in the illegal operation.
An FIR has been registered at Chaturshrungi Police Station under Sections 4(a) and 21(a) of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Maharashtra Amendment) Act, 2018. Police Sub-Inspector Pote is leading the investigation and questioning the detained suspects.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, Joint Commissioner Ranjankumar Sharma, Additional Commissioner Manoj Patil, DCP (Zone 4) Somay Munde, and Assistant Commissioner Vitthal Dabhade.
The raiding team included API Pote, Havaldars Babasaheb Dangde, Irfan Momin, Shrikant Waghavale, and Babulal Tandle, along with constables Waghesh Kamble and Tushar Girange, acting under the directions of Senior Police Inspector Uttam Bhajanavale.
