The Kanpur Commissionerate Police has intensified action against hookah bar and restaurant operators in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur city following the Allahabad High Court’s order regarding hookah service in the city. On September 30, the police conducted simultaneous operations in different police station areas and raided suspected restaurants and hookah bars. The sudden arrival of the police teams caused a stir among the establishment operators. On the instructions of the officials, police teams formed at the police station level reached many places and checked the activities going on there. The teams also searched for hookah and related items besides questioning the staff and people present at the spot. During this action of the police, investigations continued for a long time at many places.
Police activism increased after High Court order
After the order of the Allahabad High Court on 30 September 2026, the police’s activity regarding hookah service in public places has increased. In this sequence, Kanpur Police took under the purview of the investigation those restaurants, cafes and other establishments, where complaints or information about serving hookah were revealed. The police teams reached the respective establishments and gathered information about the activities related to hookah service. It was also seen whether hookah was being provided there or not and if so, in what manner it was being done.
Looking for hookahs, chillums, pipes and flavors
During the raids, the police checked hookahs, chillums, pipes, flavours and other related items in several establishments. According to the police, information has come to light that hookah and other materials have been recovered from some places. The police have taken possession of the recovered goods and are investigating it. Along with this, the police are also trying to find out how long the hookah service was running in the respective establishments and who had a role in its operation. The documents and necessary permissions related to the establishments are also being examined.
Some people detained and interrogated
During the operation, information has also come to light that people have been detained and interrogated from some places. The police are collecting information from these people regarding the operation of the establishment, hookah service and the recovered goods. Police officials, however, said that being detained does not mean that a person is guilty. Further legal action will be taken only on the basis of facts and evidence revealed in the investigation.
Action has been taken against hookah bars in the past
The police action regarding hookah bars in Kanpur has been coming to the fore in the past. In September 2026, the police in Swaroop Nagar and Barra area had cracked down on hookah bars allegedly operating under the guise of restaurants. During that time, other materials including hookah, chillum, pipe and flavored tobacco were recovered, according to the police. Apart from this, action was also taken against several establishments in Barra and Hanumant Vihar area in April 2026. During that time, the police had informed about the recovery of hookah-related materials and the arrest of some people.
Action will be taken if the rules are found violated.
The Commissionerate Police says that the campaign will continue to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations applicable in the city. Police are keeping an eye on restaurants, cafes and other establishments where complaints of hookah being served or suspicious activities are being reported. The authorities have instructed the establishment operators to follow the rules. Police teams have also been asked to keep a constant vigil on such places in their respective police station areas. At present, after the order of the High Court, the police campaign against hookah bars in Kanpur has intensified. Investigations are underway regarding the recovered material and the people detained after raids in different areas of the city. Only after the investigation will it be clear against which establishments under which legal provision action will be taken.
