Maharashtra: Tukaram Munde-Led FDA Seizes Banned Gutkha, Pan Masala Worth ₹1.13 Crore After 6-Hour Chase In Pune; Probe Underway
Pune: Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in a major crackdown, seized banned gutkha and pan masala worth Rs 1.13 crore after a dramatic six-hour chase that ended in Chakan, Pune, officials said. The consignment was allegedly being transported from Madhya Pradesh. According to reports, the operation was launched after FDA officials received confidential information about a Tata truck…
In a significant operation in Pune, Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized prohibited gutkha and pan masala worth Rs 1.13 crore after a six-hour pursuit, officials announced. The consignment, allegedly originating from Madhya Pradesh, was reportedly being transported by a Tata truck. The FDA launched the operation following confidential information received about the truck allegedly carrying banned goods into Maharashtra.
The truck had initially travelled on the Samruddhi Expressway towards Bhiwandi, but changed its route to Pune via Sangamner. After the route change, FDA teams intercepted the vehicle at Chakan-Talegaon Chowk, with the help of local police, ending the approximately six-hour chase around 8 pm. During the inspection, FDA officials recovered several banned brands of pan masala and tobacco products, seizing the entire vehicle along with the consignment, estimated at Rs 1.13 crore.
The five accused individuals named in the case include the truck driver, Nilesh Rathi, Arun Patil, J.M.D. Enterprises, and Sanjay Mata, according to a report. The FDA has launched an investigation into the case, suspecting it may involve an organized illegal trade, and has requested police to examine the accused's criminal records and investigate the supply chain and financial transactions related to the consignment.
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