New Delhi: Stand-up comedian and 'Bigg Boss 17' winner Munawar Faruqui was briefly detained in Mumbai late on Tuesday after a raid on a hookah bar. According to news agency ANI, which cited a Mumbai police official, he was later released from custody after a case was filed. The details suggest that Faruqui was charged under the COTPA, or the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003.
Bigg Boss 17 winner Munawar Faruqui arrested
On Tuesday night, the hookah bar was raided, and 13 more people were taken into custody. Reportedly, police claim that 9 hookah pots worth Rs 13,500 and Rs 4,400 in cash was seized during the raid on Tuesday, as the hookah parlour in the Fort district of the city was operating illegally. Police was informed that tobacco products were being sold at a hookah parlour within the hotel.
A complaint has been filed according to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act. All detainees were booked under the said act. The place is still being searched by the cops.
At the time of the raids, Faruqui was present at the hookah bar. He was later penalised when the results of his medical testing were positive.
About Munawar Faruqui
Munawar Faruqui, 32, rose to fame on YouTube as a rapper and stand-up comic. In 2021, he made headlines for the first time when he went to prison for a month after allegations that his statements about Hindu deities during a stand-up show had offended religious feelings. After getting threats from right-wing organisations, he cancelled his gigs in less than two months.
Faruqui returned in 2022 with the reality TV series 'Lock Upp', hosted by actor Kangana Ranaut. He won the first season of the show. Later, in 2024, the comedian participated in 'Bigg Boss 17' and also took home the winner trophy.
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