Nagpur: In a major crackdown on the illegal transportation and trade of banned fish species, Bajaj Nagar Police seized nearly six tons of prohibited Magur fish along with an Eicher truck and mobile phones collectively worth over Rs 31 lakh. The action was carried out by the Bajaj Nagar Police during a late-night patrol on Wardha Road.
According to police, the incident took place around 12:30 am on May 6 when the Bajaj Nagar Police patrol team noticed a suspicious six-wheeler Eicher truck bearing registration number KA-67-2967 near Kriplani Chowk on Wardha Road.
Upon inspection, officers found a large quantity of fish loaded in the vehicle. The truck and suspects were brought to Bajaj Nagar Police Station for further inquiry.
Police then informed experts from the Fisheries Science College, Nagpur.
After examining the consignment, Assistant Fisheries Officer Ashwini Nilkanth Tekam confirmed that the fish belonged to the prohibited Magur species, banned under food safety and fisheries regulations.
Based on the complaint filed by Ashwini Tekam, police registered Crime No. 206/2026 at Bajaj Nagar Police Station under Sections 223, 272, 275 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 59(i) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Items Seized Worth Rs 31.18 Lakh
Police seized the following items during the operation:
- Six tons of banned Magur fish worth approximately Rs 6 lakh
- One Eicher truck valued at around Rs 25 lakh
- Four mobile phones worth approximately Rs 18,000
The total value of the seized property is estimated at Rs 31.18 lakh.
Accused Identified From Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh
The accused arrested and booked in the case have been identified as:
- Ramesh Chikka Pujappa, aged 37, resident of Chintamwadi, Bengaluru
- Ajit Atmaja Lallu alias Ramesh Kevat, aged about 31, resident of Kesura village, Amarpatan area, Madhya Pradesh
- One juvenile in conflict with law
Police have also named the following as wanted accused:
- Imran Khan, resident of Chinnasandra, Chintamani, Chikkaballapur district, Karnataka
- Fayaz Ahmad Abdul Hamid, owner of the seized Eicher vehicle
Police Team and Investigation
The operation was conducted under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner of Police Reddy (Zone 1), Assistant Commissioner Gurav of Sonegaon Division, and Senior Police Inspector C.B. Chauhan of Bajaj Nagar Police Station.
The action was executed by the Bajaj Nagar Police investigation team led by PSI Deepak Pawar along with Chandrashekhar Tarale, Anil Gajbhiye, Anand Mannewar, Zahid Ansari, Nitesh Meshram, Sanjiv Tayde, Yogeshwar Gaikwad, Surendra Shede, Dnyaneshwar, and Woman Police Constable Rani Karade.
Police said further investigation into the interstate banned fish smuggling network is currently underway.
