Nagpur Police Launch Major Crackdown on Notorious Underground Cafes
In a significant operation on Wednesday, the Nagpur City Police executed sporadic raids across the eastern, western, and southern regions of the city. The targeted establishments were a series of notorious cafes that had transformed into underground hotspots, drawing police attention due to escalating public complaints.
Widespread Registration of Cases for Public Smoking Violations
Approximately 30 cases were officially registered against individuals for smoking in public places. Police authorities clarified that while some infractions occurred in public areas near the cafes, numerous owners and patrons seated inside the premises also faced legal action under various provisions of the law. The entire crackdown was personally overseen and monitored by Commissioner of Police Ravinder Singal and Joint Commissioner of Police Navinchandra Reddy.
Detailed Breakdown of Cases Across City Zones
Under the jurisdiction of Zonal Deputy Commissioner of Police Rashmitha Rao, around 24 cases related to illegal smoking were documented in east and south Nagpur. Additionally, a few more cases were registered in west Nagpur under the supervision of Zonal DCP Hrishikesh Reddy. This coordinated effort highlights the police department's commitment to addressing public nuisance and unlawful activities.
Social Media Promotions and Concealed Cabins Exposed
Acting on a surge of complaints, the police brass deployed specialized teams to inspect locations prominently featured in flashy social media advertisements and promotions. According to insider sources, officers discovered partitioned corners resembling secret cells, where teenagers and college students congregated to smoke and consume alcohol. A resident from Nandanvan emphasized the urgency, stating, "There is a need to check the content of what the customers are smoking and open the curtains to expose the concealed cabins."
Police sources further revealed that these cafes were equipped with hidden booths, each fitted with blackout curtains and dim lighting to obscure activities. A local resident expressed concern, noting, "The cafe ads scream fun, but inside it's gambling, booze, and hook-ups." He appealed for more consistent and regular police intervention to curb such operations.
Questionable Operations and Future Actions
Joint Commissioner of Police Navinchandra Reddy disclosed that in several cafes, the curtains covering these cabins were forcibly removed during the raids. He expressed astonishment at finding that some establishments lacked even basic kitchen facilities to serve tea, coffee, or any refreshing beverages, instead outsourcing these items from other shops. "They named their establishment a cafe but ordered tea and coffee from another shop," Reddy remarked.
Reddy assured that more concrete actions are imminent, with additional raids planned specifically targeting cafes featuring such cabins. He raised critical questions about their operations, stating, "If these are cafes, then why do they need such covered cabins and separate chambers, and also highlight them as private spaces? We suspect something fishy in the entire cafe scenario." This statement underscores the police's determination to investigate and dismantle any illicit activities masquerading under the guise of legitimate businesses.
