Hours after his detainment and release in a hookah bar raid in Mumbai, Munawar Faruqui returned to Instagram to share a selfie. Looking visibly tired in the picture from the airport, the comedian and ‘Bigg Boss 17’ winner disclosed he was leaving the city.
‘Tired and travelling,’ he wrote, with sleepy eyes.
In the picture, he was seen wearing a black T-shirt with a cap. He geo-tagged the location.
According to news agency ANI, Faruqui was among the 14 people detained in the raid on March 26. ANI stated, ‘Bigg Boss 17 winner Munawar Faruqui and 13 others were detained, and a case has been registered against them in a hookah bar raid in the Fort area last night. All accused were released after questioning: Mumbai Police.’
The raid reportedly occurred at a hookah bar in Mumbai's Bora Bazar. A police officer's statement was quoted in the Free Press Journal report, saying, ‘Our team raided the hookah bar based on information suggesting tobacco use disguised as herbal. We have called in experts to determine the nature of the substances used. Faruqui is among those detained."
All individuals, including Munawar, who were detained, were reportedly booked under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, along with IPC sections 283 (danger or obstruction in public way or line of navigation) and 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others).
Munawar Faruqui is an Indian stand-up comedian who gained prominence for his witty and often controversial humor. He rose to fame through his performances in various comedy clubs and online platforms. Faruqui has faced both acclaim and controversy for his comedy, particularly for his willingness to tackle sensitive subjects.
In 2021, Munawar Faruqui made headlines when he was arrested for allegedly hurting religious sentiments during a stand-up performance. This incident sparked debates around freedom of expression and censorship in India. Despite facing legal challenges, Faruqui has continued his career in comedy, participating in reality shows and other entertainment ventures.
Faruqui's journey in the entertainment industry reflects the complexities of navigating creative expression within societal and legal constraints. He remains a prominent figure in the Indian comedy scene, known for his bold and unapologetic approach to comedy.
In 2022, Mr Faruqui made a comeback through reality TV show ‘Lock Upp;, where participants lived in a ‘jail’ and performed tasks to earn money as ‘inmates’. He won the show's first season.
Also Watch | Sunil Grover speaks out on 7-year feud with Kapil Sharma, jokingly labels it a ‘publicity stunt’