Munawar Faruqui landed himself in trouble after he was detained by Mumbai Police in a Hookah bar raid case on Tuesday (March 26) late night. However, he was released later. Read on to know more
Bigg Boss 17 winner Munawar Faruqui landed in big trouble after the Mumbai Police raided a Hookah bar in Fort area of Mumbai. The stand-up comedian was among the few people detained after the raid and a case was registered against them. However, they were released after initial interrogation by the police. Munawar could reportedly be charged under the COTPA, or the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003.
Munawar Faruqui detained in hookah bar raid
During a late-night raid at the Sabalan hookah parlour in Fort, South Mumbai, Munawar Faruqui was one of the many people who were detained by the police after a tip-off. This hookah bar is situated at Bora Bazar, which falls within the jurisdiction of MRA Marg police station. The officials took instant action after they were informed that the patrons were indulging in tobacco-based hookah use under the guise of herbal hookah.
They have detained more than a dozen individuals, including Munawar. The comedian will likely be charged under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act if the officials find that they indeed used tobacco hookah under the pretext of herbal.
Reportedly, police also claims that 9 hookah pots worth Rs 13,500 and Rs 4,400 in cash was seized during the raid. This hookah parlour was also operating illegally.
Munawar Faruqui’s previous stint in jail
In 2021, Munawar Faruqui was arrested by police on the complaint filed by Eklavya Singh Gaud, the son of BJP MP, for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. The comedia was accused of making indecent remarks against Hindu deities at his comic show in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
Munawar was booked under IPC sections 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs), section 269 (unlawful or negligent act likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life) and other relevant provisions.
The district court had sent Faruqui to judicial custody till January 13, 2021. The Supreme Court of India granted him bail after 37 days.