Pune: An illegal hookah sale operation was uncovered at a snack center located at Tiger Point in Lonavala. The incident came to light following a raid by the Lonavala Rural Police on Saturday (July 6) evening.
The police have registered a case at the Lonavala Rural Police Station. The accused individuals are Mangesh Nandu Karale (25, resident of Khandala, Maval) and Rakesh Ganpat Ware (25, resident of Khopoli, Khalapur, Raigad). The complaint was filed by Forest Guard Vedika Shirse.
According to police reports, Tiger Point is situated in the Avatan village area under the jurisdiction of the Lonavala Rural Police Station. It is a popular spot for tourists, and the accused operated a snack center there. They were allegedly selling hookah to tourists from their establishment.
Upon receiving this information, the Lonavala Rural Police conducted a raid and seized hookah flavors and other materials necessary for smoking hookah.
Since the area falls under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department, a formal complaint was lodged by the department. The Lonavala Rural Police are currently investigating the matter.
Meanwhile, district administration has prohibited tourist entry to Lions Point, Tiger Point, and Shivalinga Point from 6 PM to 6 AM. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Surendra Navale has ordered the Forest Department to appoint permanent forest guards at these locations. Additionally, police units will be deployed at some tourist spots to ensure visitor safety.
These prohibitory orders have been issued until August 31 to ensure tourist safety and maintain law and order. Police, forest department, municipal corporation, and railway department are jointly enforcing these orders and arranged for road barricading.
