33 people held from illegal hookah joint in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal

As many as 33 people, including 7 women, have been arrested for violating coronavirus lockdown norms after they were found partying at an illegal hookah lounge to celebrate a birthday in Bhopal. A case has been registered under section 188 of IPC and Excise and Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act. A hunt is on to nab the owners of the joint.

Bhopal: The Bhopal police raided an illegal hookah lounge and arrested 33 people, including seven women, for allegedly defying the COVID-19 lockdown by gathering for a birthday party there on Friday.

Acting on a tip-off, the police raided the illegal hookah lounge in Trilanga area, where the accused had gathered for a birthday party, additional superintendent of police (crime) Gopal Dhakad said.

"We have arrested 33 people, including seven women, who were smoking hookah and drinking at the birthday party of one Naved Khan (26)," he said.

The arrested accused included lounge manager Ravi Rai and efforts are underway to nab the owners of the joint, the official said.

The accused have been booked under section 188 (disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant) of the Indian Penal Code and Excise and Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, the ASP said.

PTI report

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