Nagpur: The Crime Branch Unit 2, conducted a raid at Publico Café Hookah Parlour near Campus Chowk under Ambazari Police Station and apprehended two individuals for allegedly supplying tobacco-based hookah flavours to customers. The raid was carried out on Friday, March 7, following reports of illicit activities at the establishment.

During the operation, the police identified the accused as Vikas Raju Dagor (31), a resident of Ramnagar, Telangkhedi, and the café owner, along with Navneet Shankar Varkhade (27), a resident of Mangalwari Bazaar, Sadar, who was employed as the café manager.

The authorities seized 15 hookah pots and a quantity of tobacco-based hookah flavors, with the total value of confiscated materials estimated at ₹39,400.

A case has been registered under Sections 4(1)(21) and 5(1)(21) of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). The accused and the seized materials have been handed over to Ambazari police for further investigation.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to curbing illegal activities involving tobacco products and urged citizens to report similar violations to ensure public safety.