Nagpur: In a major crackdown on the illegal sale of prohibited tobacco products, Wadi Police seized over ₹20 lakh worth of gutkha, scented tobacco other materials, and also arrested of a truck driver during an operation on July 21. The action was carried out between 3 pm and 6 pm based on credible information received during patrolling.
Acting on the tip-off, Wadi Police, along with Food Safety Officer Kiran Rangaswami Gedam (50), laid a trap near Pravin Roadlines, behind Thunder Beer Shop, opposite Arco Godown on Khadgaon Road. The team intercepted a red Tata truck bearing registration number MH 40 Y 2303 and conducted a search in the presence of panch witnesses. During the inspection, police recovered large quantities of banned tobacco and pan masala products, including brands like Vimal and Rajnigandha. The truck driver, identified as Afzar Ali Syed Ali (41), a resident of Kinhikhairlanji, Balaghat district, Madhya Pradesh, was arrested on the spot.
The total seizure included 174.528 kg of banned tobacco products valued at ₹5,04,960 and the vehicle worth ₹15,00,000, taking the combined value of the confiscated items to approximately ₹20,04,960. During questioning, the accused revealed that the consignment belonged to Pravin Meshram, owner of Pravin Roadlines, and two others identified as Kailas and Rupesh, who are currently on the run.
Based on the complaint filed by Food Safety Officer Kiran Gedam, a case was registered at Wadi Police Station under Sections 123, 223, 274, and 275 of the BNS, along with relevant provisions under Sections 26(1), 26(2)(iv), 27(3)(e), 30(2)(a), and 3(1)(zz)(iv) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The operation was executed under the supervision of Commissioner of Police Dr. Ravinder Kumar Singal, Joint Commissioner Navin Chandra Reddy, Additional Commissioner (South Region) Shivajirao Rathod, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 1) Rishikesh Sinha Reddy, and Assistant Commissioner of Police (MIDC Division) Satish Gurav. The ground-level operation was led by Senior PI Rajesh Tatkare and PSI Amit Bandgar, along with Police Constables Prakash Katkar, Roshan Phukat, Sanjay Barele, and Police Officer Yogesh Gupta.
