Pune police shut illegal hookah setup running in a flat near Sinhagad College, action also taken on nearby hotel

An illegal hookah parlour operating from a flat near Sinhagad College campus was raided by Pune police. Three men were booked and hookah equipment was seized along with flavored tobacco.

Pune, Maharashtra | Nov 19, 2025:– Police in Pune have taken action against an illegal hookah parlour that was operating out of a residential flat near the Sinhagad College campus. The raid was carried out after authorities received information that the flat was being used to supply hookah services to students and young customers despite having no licence to operate such an establishment. A nearby hotel was also found to be running a similar setup, and police seized equipment from both locations.

The operation was conducted by a team from Bharti Vidyapeeth Police Station under the supervision of senior officers. When the police entered the flat on the first floor of Paygude building on Sinhagad Road, they found three men inside along with hookah devices, flavored tobacco and related material. The suspects were identified as Saurabh Prakash Phadke, aged 27; Pritam Arun Koile, aged 32; and Pratik Jayant Gole, aged 34. Officers found that the flat had been converted into a makeshift lounge where customers were being served hookah despite rules prohibiting such activity in residential premises.

During questioning, it was revealed that one of the suspects had also been supplying hookah setups to a nearby establishment, Hotel Route 24, located close to the college campus. The police team carried out a parallel search at the hotel and recovered additional hookah equipment. Authorities believe the setup was intended to attract students from the college area, many of whom frequent nearby food outlets and cafes.

The accused have been booked for violating tobacco control laws and for running an illegal commercial activity in a residential building without permission. Police officials said that flavored tobacco products were being used and that the operators were aware they were violating regulations. The team has begun verifying how long the operation had been active and whether minors had been allowed entry.

Residents in the area said they were relieved by the action, claiming that late-night movement of youths in the building and around the hotel had increased in recent weeks. Some added that they suspected something was operating inside the flat but did not have enough information to report it earlier.

Police officials highlighted that unauthorised hookah parlours often operate covertly in areas frequented by students. Such places typically run without safety permissions, proper ventilation or fire compliance and frequently attract minors. Officers said they will now conduct more surprise inspections around educational campuses to prevent similar setups from emerging.

Authorities also warned building owners that renting out flats for illegal commercial use will invite penalties. They urged hotel operators to follow regulations strictly, particularly in student-dense neighbourhoods where violations can lead to health risks and influence underage customers.

The three accused are being questioned to determine whether they are linked to a larger network supplying hookah equipment to multiple locations in the city. Further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, the seized items have been sent for documentation and verification.

The raid has renewed discussions among parents and educators about the accessibility of tobacco products near educational institutions. Police have encouraged residents and students to report suspicious activity and said they will continue monitoring the area around Sinhagad College closely to ensure a safer environment for young people.

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