Criminals' gatherings at hookah parlour and bar turn Nagpur's Ramnagar Chowk into a public nuisance
Residents blame Ambazari police inaction after a car driver was attacked on October 5; the DCP says the hookah parlour and bar have been served notice.
Nagpur: Crowds of criminals gathering at a well-known hookah parlour and bar have made Ramnagar, under Ambazari police station limits, a spectacle. Residents have been in a state of panic since criminals attacked a car driver on the night of October 5. They blame the negligence of Ambazari police and fear a major incident could occur at any time because of the criminals' presence.
On the night of October 5, Rahul Kanaujia was driving through Ramnagar Chowk in a car with his wife Shivani and their children. Three drunk youths had parked their car in the middle of the road near the chowk, leaving Rahul's car with no way through. Rahul honked and asked the youths to move their car aside. They abused him and hit him on the head with a tommy, seriously injuring him.
Police registered a case of assault and arrested Prince Bhanuse and Pushkar Sharma, residents of Golibar Chowk. Their other associates are absconding. The accused had come to the well-known hookah parlour and bar at Ramnagar Chowk. Most people who visit it park their vehicles on the road, which constantly causes problems for residents. Residents have complained several times to Ambazari police and the traffic branch, but neither is serious about the matter.
Even after the incident, when the case reached the police station, a police employee named Aditya, a friend of the accused, turned up to mediate. Serious criminal cases are registered against Aditya at different police stations. He has also been suspended. He is posted at headquarters, but stays away from duty and keeps company with criminals. He is friendly with the hookah parlour operator.
The crowds of criminals at the hookah parlour and bar have created a situation in which bloodshed is possible at Ramnagar Chowk. Residents say they avoid passing through there late at night. Even on days when liquor sales are shut across the city, liquor is easily available at Ramnagar Chowk on the sly. A three-tier security arrangement has been set up to evade police action. In addition, the Ambazari police station and the Crime Branch Unit 2 team also keep passing on updates about the officers' movements.
When contacted, Zone 2 DCP Annapurna Singh said the hookah parlour and bar have been issued a notice and a reply has been sought. If residents complain, the civic body will be recommended to shut them down.
