Nagpur: In a late-night operation on Wednesday, the NDPS team of the Crime Branch raided Saffron 07 Café in Dharampeth Extension and uncovered an illegal hookah parlour running on the second floor of a building. The action was carried out following specific orders from senior officials.

Two operators, three employees, and 13 customers — including four women — were booked under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). Police seized goods worth ₹57,300, including 25 hookah pots, 50 hookah pipes, 30 hookah chillums, and various flavours of tobacco.

The parlour was allegedly run by Saif Latif Nagani (31) of Sagar Complex, Satranjipura, and Faizan Salim Nagani (31) of Rachna Complex, Satranjipura. Police said the café was used as a front for the hookah business, which operated until 3–4 am. There are also reports that one of the operators may be involved in an online cricket betting ID under the name ‘Saffron’.

Among those detained were employees Ritesh Bhave, Piyush Kalpande, and a minor, as well as customers Abhilash Bhave, Abhinith Wasnik, Vipin Raut, Shantanu Jaiswal, Vishwa Mehta, Salman Ajani, Shantanu Dethe, Rutvik Bhavsar, and four women.

The raid was led by Police Inspector Gajanan Gulhane of the NDPS team. Further investigations are underway to determine the extent of the illegal activities.