2 arrested for running illegal hookah bars

The Central Crime Branch (CCB) police arrested two persons in separate incidents for running illegal hookah bars in the city.

The arrested have been identified as Raghavendra (42), a resident of Nagarathpet, and Irfan Nagmur, a resident of MLA Layout in RMV II stage.

While Raghavendra was arrested for running an illegal hookah lounge at Outer Ring Road near Girinagar, Irfan was arrested for running a hookah joint at New BEL Road near Sanjay Nagar.

The woman and narcotics wing of CCB raided both the places and arrested them. The police have seized equipment worth Rs 40,000.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the duo had opened the joints to attract more youths and make money through illegal ways. After visiting these centres many were turning into drug addicts.

A senior police officer said, hookah bars are not illegal in the city but the owners should keep separate smoking zones without disturbing others. The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) allows smoking in enclosed spaces. Supreme Court in 2014 lifted a three-year ban allowing hookahs in spaces designated for smoking.