Udupi: Manipal police have registered a case against a cafe manager and eight individuals for allegedly providing and consuming hookah at a cafe in Vidyaratna Nagar, Manipal.
The action followed a raid conducted on Thursday, August 6, after police received credible information that hookah was allegedly being served illegally at a cafe located on the first floor of a building on DC Office Road.
The premises fall under the jurisdiction of the Manipal police station.
Police conduct raid following tip-off
Acting on the information, a police team led by Assistant Sub-Inspector Vaman conducted a raid at the cafe.
The operation was supported by Head Constables Suresh Shetty and Chetan Kumar and police constables Raviraj and Umesh.
During the inspection, police reportedly found eight young men seated inside the cafe and allegedly smoking hookah.
The police team detained the individuals and questioned them as part of the operation.
Eight customers identified
The eight individuals found at the cafe were identified as S Riyaz of Kundapur, Zeeshan Abdul Jahir of Byndoor, Mohammed Sameer of Gangolli, Mohammed Sawad of Udupi, Krishna of Udupi, Chirag of Udupi, Taranath of Kapu and Anveeth of Udupi.
Police are investigating the circumstances under which hookah was allegedly being provided at the premises and the role of those present at the time of the raid.
The action was initiated based on the information received by police regarding the alleged illegal serving of hookah at the cafe.
Cafe manager detained
Police also detained the cafe’s manager-cum-cashier, identified as Mohammed Shafan, 22, for allegedly providing hookah to customers.
Shafan is a resident of Thota House in Mannur village of Bantwal taluk in Dakshina Kannada district.
According to police, the manager was allegedly involved in facilitating the provision of hookah at the establishment.
The police seized the hookah equipment found at the premises under a mahazar, following the raid.
Case registered under COTPA
Based on the report submitted by the raiding team, Manipal police registered a case against the cafe manager and the eight individuals under provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).
The case covers the allegations concerning the provision and consumption of hookah at the cafe.
Police are continuing their investigation to establish the circumstances of the alleged violation and determine whether any additional action is required.
The seizure of the hookah equipment has also been recorded as part of the investigation.
Police step up checks
The raid highlights the police focus on establishments allegedly providing tobacco-related products in violation of applicable regulations.
Cafe and restaurant operators are required to comply with laws governing tobacco products and their use. Police action can follow when establishments are found allegedly violating such provisions.
In the Manipal case, investigators are now examining the evidence collected during the raid, including the seized equipment and the statements of those present.
Further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.