Despite the prohibition on hookah bars throughout the state, authorities in Belgaum have raided illegal tobacco hookah outlets across the city. Two individuals have been arrested, and hookah equipment from different brands, worth Rs. 2,56,600, has been confiscated during the operation.
Based on intelligence indicating the covert acquisition and distribution of prohibited hookah items by the central government, Malamaruti, Market, and Tilakwadi police divisions launched operations on hookah establishments. These actions were carried out under the oversight of Law and Order DCP Rohan Jagadish.
In the enforcement operation, officials confiscated a substantial amount of illicit goods, including 126 hookahs from various manufacturers valued at Rs. 62,000, 51 rolls of paper worth Rs. 15,500, charcoal from 30 different companies valued at Rs. 20,300, 120 bong pipes worth Rs. 41,500, and 25 packets of foreign cigarettes valued at Rs. 25,300. Furthermore, tobacco packets from multiple companies, totaling Rs. 16,500, were seized.
The pair in question, Abu Bakkar Jainabha Siddique (31) and Shabab Shakeel Ahmad (22), hailing from Anagol and originally from Mangaluru, were apprehended in relation to the illegal activity. The effective operation involved the collaboration of ACP Sadashiva Kattimani and Kapil Deva.
