In defiance of the statewide ban on hookah bars, law enforcement authorities in Belagavi have conducted raids on illicit tobacco hookah establishments across the city. Two suspects have been apprehended, and hookah paraphernalia from various companies, valued at Rs. 2,56,600, has been seized in the operation.
Acting on intelligence suggesting the clandestine procurement and sale of hookah products banned by the central government, Malamaruti, Market, and Tilakwadi police units initiated raids on hookah bars. The raids were conducted under the supervision of Law and Order DCP Rohan Jagadish.
During the crackdown, authorities seized a significant cache of contraband, including 126 hookahs from different manufacturers valued at Rs. 62,000, 51 rolls of paper worth Rs. 15,500, charcoal from 30 different companies worth Rs. 20,300, 120 bong pipes valued at Rs. 41,500, and 25 packets of foreign cigarettes worth Rs. 25,300. Additionally, tobacco packets from various companies, totaling Rs. 16,500, were confiscated.
The two accused, identified as Abu Bakkar Jainabha Siddique (31) and Shabab Shakeel Ahmad (22), both residents of Anagol, and originally from Mangluru, were arrested in connection with the illicit operation.
The successful operation was conducted with the participation of ACP Sadashiva Kattimani and Kapil Deva.