Nagpur: A special team under DCP Zone 2 raided Nimbus Café & Lounge in the Gokulpeth area under Ambazari Police Station late Thursday night, following reports of illegal hookah service. During the operation, several customers were caught smoking hookah inside the premises.

Police have booked café operator Sameer Shaikh and seized multiple hookah pots, various flavored tobacco products, and related materials from the site. Notably, this is not the first time Nimbus Café has faced action — the establishment has been previously booked multiple times for similar violations, yet continued to offer hookah to customers.

According to police, the café remains open until late hours and is frequented by both young women from well-off families and men with criminal backgrounds. Authorities suspect it to be a hotspot where disputes between rival groups often occur. Acting on specific intelligence regarding frequent altercations at the venue, DCP Nityanand Jha instructed his team to conduct the surprise raid.

Several men and women were found smoking hookah at the time of the raid. The Ambazari Police have registered a fresh case against the operator under relevant provisions, and further investigation is ongoing.

Authorities have reiterated that strict action will continue against establishments violating public safety norms and operating unlawfully under the guise of cafés and lounges.