No check on hookah bars despite arrests and raids in Jaipur

Jaipur: Despite several complaints and arrests in connection with operating illegal hookah lounges in the city, the cops are not able to take any strict action against violators and have to let them off due to legal constraints. Several hookah bars are still running in the city without any restrictions or fear. Police have not been able to close down these bars permanently despite many arrests and raids.

Nearly twenty lounges were raided by Jaipur police on September 2.

Most of the hookah bar operators absconded, however, the police managed to take into custody some managers and owners. Many of the cafes have again started running hookah bars on their premises fearlessly.

Several hookah lounges are operating in Mansarovar, Vaishali, C-scheme, Malviya Nagar and other areas. Police are not able to take any strict action because those arrested are released on bail almost immediately. The culprits start operating hookah bars as soon as they are released.

Police are still receiving complains about illegal hookah lounges operating in the city. Teenagers are found consuming several banned and harmful products at these hookah bars. Several flavored tobaccos, pan masala products, pipes and other materials are recovered from these places too.

Read also: Jaipur: Police raid at 20 hookah bars; several arrested