Pune: Former Home Minister’s Son Caught Running Illegal Hookah Parlor in Kondhwa

PUNE — Pune, once known as the educational hub of Maharashtra, is now increasingly making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Crime rates in the city have been on the rise, and in yet another shocking development, an illegal hookah parlor operating in the Kondhwa area has been busted by the police. What’s more alarming is that the establishment is reportedly owned by the son of a former Minister of State for Home Affairs.

Major Police Action in Pune

According to reports, the Pune Police received a tip-off about illegal hookah services being offered at 'The Village,' a hotel located in the Kondhwa area. Acting on this information, Senior Police Inspector Vinay Patankar and Crime Inspector Manasing Patil, along with their team, conducted a raid on the hotel on Thursday night. The operation led to the discovery of a significant haul of illegal items and the subsequent registration of a criminal case.

Key Individuals Involved

Among those charged are Bakir Ramesh Bagwe, son of former State Home Minister Ramesh Bagwe, along with four other individuals: Harun Nabi Sheikh, Amanat Anwar Mandal, Amanat Anwar, and Bikram Sadhan Sheikh. These individuals have been accused of operating the illegal hookah parlor in violation of state regulations.

Seized Items

During the raid, the police confiscated tobacco products worth ₹23,500, along with various hookah flavors and nine glass hookah pots. The seizure points to the scale of the illegal operation that was being run under the guise of a legitimate business.

Ongoing Investigation

The police are currently conducting a detailed investigation into the matter. The involvement of the son of a prominent political figure has added another layer of complexity to the case. The authorities are looking into all aspects of the illegal operation, including potential links to other criminal activities in the area.

This incident has raised concerns about the growing influence of illegal activities in Pune and the apparent involvement of individuals with political connections. The police have assured that they will take strict action against all those involved, regardless of their social or political standing.

Key Points:

• Pune police raided an illegal hookah parlor in Kondhwa.
• The establishment is owned by the son of former State Home Minister Ramesh Bagwe.
• Police seized tobacco products, hookah flavors, and nine glass hookah pots.
• Criminal cases have been filed against five individuals, including Bakir Ramesh Bagwe.

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in curbing illegal activities in the city, especially those involving individuals with political ties. The authorities are expected to continue their crackdown on such establishments to ensure compliance with the law.