Navi Mumbai: The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) raided an illegally operating hookah parlor at Divine Lounge Bar and Rooftop in Palm Beach Galleria Mall on Saturday night, taking action against 21 individuals, including the owner, manager, and waiters. The police also seized hookah-related materials worth approximately Rs 2 lakh.
This is not the first time the establishment has faced action. It had been raided in November and December last year but was found operating again, said police. Acting on a tip-off, a police team led by Prithviraj Ghorpade conducted the raid at around 11:45 pm.
The police confiscated various hookah flavors and equipment being used at the location.
Following the raid, a case was registered under the COTPA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act) against owner Sarlaben Savla, operator Faizal Siddiqui, Sunil Bhanushali, Santosh Patil, Thavaru Bhima Chavan (alias Gabbar), manager Rehman Hussain Rizwan Rizvi, and other employees. "All 21 accused were detained but later released after being issued a notice," an officer from AHTU said.
