• By Ridhi Suri
  • Wed, 27 Mar 2024 09:17 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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Stand-up comedian and Bigg Boss 17 winner, Munawar Faruqui, was among several individuals apprehended by Mumbai police during a late-night raid on a hookah lounge in Fort, south Mumbai. Reportedly, acting on a tip-off received by the SS branch, the raid was aimed at the hookah bar located at Bora Bazar, falling under the jurisdiction of MRA Marg police station. Suspecting that patrons were engaging in tobacco-based hookah usage disguised as herbal, officials detained over a dozen individuals, including Faruqui.

According to Etimes, social service branch of Mumbai Police raided the Sabalan hookah bar at Bora Bazar. "Our team raided the hookah bar on the information that patrons were indulging in tobacco-based hookah use under the guise of herbal hookah.
If it's etablished they used tobacco hookah, they will be charged under Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act."

Authorities stated that the hookah lounge located in Mumbai's Fort area was operating unlawfully, and during the raid, they confiscated Rs 4,400 in cash along with nine hookah pots valued at Rs 13,500. As per several media reports, Faruqui was charged under the provisions of The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003, commonly known as COTPA, 2003. Further investigations into the case were underway.

Munawar Faruqui's Earlier Arrest

He made headlines in 2021 when he spent a month in jail following complaints of hurting religious sentiments for making remarks about Hindu deities during a stand-up show. Additionally, Munawar was arrested on charges of hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus for a joke during another stand-up comedy performance. Amidst the controversy, the comedian announced his decision to quit comedy after facing threats from right-wing groups, which led to the cancellation of 12 of his shows within two months.

He was arrested along with four others based on a complaint filed by Eklavya Singh Gaud, the son of a BJP MP. After spending 37 days in jail, Munawar was granted bail.

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