Sarkhej police raided an illegal hookah bar operating under the guise of ‘Lush Cafe and Lounge’ on Mumatpura Road late at night on December 26. Goods worth ₹38,275 were seized in the raid and legal action initiated against the owners.
The raid was part of a broader initiative to curb illegal activities, including unauthorised hookah bars, ahead of New Year’s Eve. The surveillance squad of Sarkhej police conducted the raid at 11.30 pm with 10 police officials.
The team raided the Lush Cafe and Lounge, near Vince Cafe lane in Sarkhej. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the establishment was illegally serving nicotine-laced hookah under the pretence of herbal flavours. Six customers were found smoking hookah in open seating areas.
During the investigation, it was found that the hookah bar lacked the required licence and permit to operate. The officials confiscated small and large packets of flavoured substances worth ₹540, Coal bags and coconut coal worth ₹200, hookah tubes worth ₹3,665, Glass hookahs worth ₹30,000 and miscellaneous items worth ₹3,870. The total value of the seized goods is ₹38,275.
The cafe was jointly owned by Dhruv Sanjaybhai Shami, Sabazuddin Haidayat Ullan and Vishal Vinodbhai Thakor. All three were arrested and further investigation is on.