Analyst at private firm arrested for running illegal hookah bar in Bengaluru

A file photo of hookahs and related equipment. | Photo Credit: Photo for representation only An analyst working with a private firm in Bengaluru is among two men arrested for allegedly running a hookah bar illegally from a rented house in Kenchanapura village under Kumbalgodu police station limits.One of the accused — Ajith Nayak, 28 — is a civil engineer working as a senior analyst in a firm, and the other — Varun K.R., 25 — is a service assistant.According to Kumbalgodu police, they received credible information on August 31 that the duo had rented a house at Kenchanapura, and were operating a hookah facility.Based on the information, police raided the house in the presence of witnesses. The accused were allegedly found running the hookah facility on the first floor of a house belonging to a person identified as Bhagyamma.Police seized five hookah pots, three hookah pipes, two boxes of hookah pots, three used hookah flavours, partially used charcoal, and ₹450 in cash.A case has been registered and further investigation is underway to ascertain whether others were involved. Police are probing the role, if any, of the house owner. Published - September 01, 2026 01:58 pm IST