Bigg Boss fame Munawar Faruqui detained in Mumbai hookah bar raid; now released

Stand-up comedian and former Bigg Boss 17 winner Munawar Faruqui found himself in the spotlight again, but not for his comedic prowess. Reports have been surfacing that Faruqui, along with 13 others, was detained during a raid at a hookah parlour in Mumbai's Fort area. The raid, conducted by Mumbai Police's Social Service branch, aimed to crack down on illegal activities in the city. Although detained initially, all accused, including Faruqui, were later released as the charges against them were deemed bailable.

A senior police official revealed to PTI that during the raid, stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui and his companions were discovered indulging in hookah smoking at the establishment. The official further disclosed that a video recording of their activities exists. Although Faruqui and the others were initially detained, they were subsequently released as the charges against them were found to be bailable. The official confirmed that Faruqui and his associates were served with notices before being permitted to depart from the scene.

According to the reports, during the operation, which lasted from 10:30 pm on Tuesday till 5 am on Wednesday, police seized cash amounting to Rs. 4,400 and nine hookah pots worth Rs. 13,500. 

For the uninitiated, this isn't Faruqui's first brush with controversy. In 2021, he made headlines for spending a month in jail following complaints that he hurt religious sentiments during one of his stand-up shows. The incident led to the cancellation of several of his shows amidst threats from right-wing groups, prompting Faruqui to announce his departure from comedy.

However, he made a surprising comeback in 2022 through the reality TV show "Lock Upp", where contestants lived in a simulated "jail" environment, performing tasks to earn money. Faruqui emerged victorious, winning the show's inaugural season.

As the investigation into the illegal activities at the hookah parlour unfolds, Munawar Faruqui has yet to issue a statement or confirmation regarding the incident from his side.