Mumbai: Munawar Faruqui, a prominent Indian stand-up comedian, rapper, and singer, was among a group of individuals detained by Mumbai police during a late-night raid at a hookah parlour in Fort, south Mumbai.
The raid, prompted by a tip-off received by the SS branch, targeted the hookah bar situated at Bora Bazar, falling within the jurisdiction of MRA Marg police station. Officials, suspecting the patrons of indulging in tobacco-based hookah under the guise of herbal, detained more than a dozen individuals, including Faruqui.
An officer stated, "Our team raided the hookah bar based on information suggesting tobacco use disguised as herbal. We have called in experts to determine the nature of the substances used. Faruqui is among those detained." The incident has garnered attention due to Faruqui's profile and underscores ongoing efforts to regulate such establishments.
Faruqui and others were booked under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act along with the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 283 (danger or obstruction in public way or line of navigation), 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others), the official said.
Notices were served to Faruqui and others by the Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Marg police and they were allowed to go, he said.
About Munawar's Arrest In 2021
Meanwhile, in 2021, Munawar was also arrested on charges of hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus for a joke during a stand-up comedy performance.
He was arrested along with four others on the complaint filed by Eklavya Singh Gaud, the son of BJP MP. After spending 37 days in jail, Munawar was granted bail.
