Cops raid Mumbai hookah parlour, rescue 4 minors

Police said the boys will be handed over to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and their parents will be informed...

Officers from Social Service Branch (SS Branch) of the crime branch raided a hookah parlour in Powai on Monday night and rescued four minor boys who were served tobacco.

The person managing the parlour was arrested under the Section 77 of the amended Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act. (Representation pic)

A team of SS Branch raided the establishment at 9.30 pm. Around 34 customers were being served hookahs, including the minors. Cops said the boys will be handed over to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and their parents will be informed. During the raid, cops seized eight hookah pots, other material and Rs700.

While the person managing the parlour was arrested under the Section 77 of the amended Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code has been registered against the owner, who is said to be absconding.

The case is eligible for a trial in the sessions court and the accused face rigorous imprisonment up to seven years if convicted. The manager was also booked under Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).