Pune: A police raid on the Mash Resto in Kondhwa uncovered an illegal hookah parlor, leading to charges against five individuals.
The police confiscated tobacco products and hookah equipment valued at ₹36,000 during the operation.
The raid was conducted after authorities received a tip-off about the illicit activities at the Mash Resto, located near Nyati Chowk.
Those charged include the hotel owner, Ali Irani (66), manager Ali Syed (28), and three hotel employees – Thomas Sujay Mandal (30), Ranjan Samarth Patra (27), and Rajkumar Vaman Pandit (30).
The police team, led by Senior Police Inspector Vinay Patankar and Crime Branch Inspector Manasing Patil, carried out the operation with the assistance of Assistant Inspector Lekhaji Shinde. This action comes a month after a similar raid on another illegal hookah parlor in the area.
The government had previously imposed a statewide ban on hookah parlors following a tragic incident at a hookah lounge in Mumbai's Kamala Mills, where a fire resulted in multiple deaths.
Despite the ban, some establishments continue to flout the law and run illegal operations. The latest raid in Kondhwa highlights ongoing violations of the state's restrictions.
Minor Boy Sodomized
In another shocking incident of unnatural rape and intimidation of a minor boy has come to light.
The Hadapsar police have filed a case against Suresh Bhale Rao. This incident occurred on Tuesday around 2:45 pm. The boy's father has filed a complaint at the Hadapsar police station.
According to the police, the minor boy was sleeping at home when Suresh Bhale Rao entered the house, removed the boy's pants, and committed unnatural atrocities.
When the boy resisted, Rao threatened him, saying, "I'll take you to Rohit Wines, and then we'll go eat; don't tell anyone anything."
The police have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and are investigating the matter, led by Assistant Police Inspector Pravin Abdagire.
