In a significant move, the Pune Police has suspended Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) Vishal Pawar for allegedly colluding with an illegal hookah joint, Vegeta, located in the Marvel Vista building in Lullanagar Chowk. The suspension order was passed by Additional Commissioner of Police Manoj Patil, citing PSI Pawar’s “serious, irresponsible, and indecent” behavior.

According to reports, PSI Pawar had been accepting bribes of Rs 20,000 per month from the owner of Vegeta, Rahul Jainsinghal, in exchange for not taking action against the illegal hookah joint. The police commissioner, Amitesh Kumar, has reiterated the department’s zero-tolerance policy towards illicit businesses and activities, warning officers to shut down all hookah joints, gambling dens, and prostitution rackets.

Vegeta, the rooftop restaurant, has a history of flouting regulations. In November 2022, a massive fire broke out, destroying the interior and furniture. An inquiry by the Pune Municipal Corporation revealed that the restaurant was operating without necessary approvals from the fire brigade and building permission department.