Pune: Illegal Hookah Parlour Busted in Mundhwa, Case Registered Against Owners and Staff
Mundhwa, 16th September 2025: Pune Police raided Hotel Moh Bistro & Barrels near Hadapsar Railway Station Road in Mundhwa and exposed an illegal hookah parlour operating without the necessary permissions. The raid, conducted late on Monday night, followed a tip-off about hookah smoking being allowed on the premises.
During the operation, police seized hookah pots, pipes, and other equipment. Officials confirmed that customers were being served hookah inside the establishment despite the absence of a license or a designated smoking zone, both of which are mandatory under the law.
A case has been registered against the hotel’s owners, manager, and staff—identified as Pranesh Pawan Pawar, Nikhil Annasaheb Patil, Swapnil Arvind Uttarwar, and Gaurav Rajendra Kurapa—under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Maharashtra Prohibition of Smoking Act.
Police officials stressed that such unauthorized setups pose serious safety risks. “The use of fire and other inflammable substances in a crowded place makes this practice extremely dangerous. Beyond being illegal, it could have led to a major mishap,” said a senior officer from Mundhwa Police Station.
Residents in the area welcomed the crackdown. “These places often attract youngsters and create nuisance in the neighbourhood. We are relieved that action has finally been taken,” said a local resident, who requested anonymity.
