Seizure of Banned Gutka in Navi Mumbai
Police in Navi Mumbai have seized a stock of banned gutka valued at Rs 17.4 lakh from a tempo and arrested one individual involved in the case, according to an official statement. The incident took place on Monday evening when the tempo was intercepted on the Mumbai-Pune road. Upon inspection, the police found gutka of multiple brands in the vehicle.
A 23-year-old man from Kandivli, Mumbai, was taken into custody on Tuesday. He is accused of being involved in the illegal distribution of these products. A case has been filed against him under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Authorities are currently working to identify and apprehend another person linked to the offense.
Raids in Thane Lead to Arrests of Two Shopkeepers
In a separate incident, two shopkeepers were arrested after police seized banned gutka and tobacco items from their shops in Thane city. This occurred following raids conducted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) personnel on July 14 at a grocery shop and a paan stall in the Diva area. The confiscated items included banned gutka, other tobacco products, and blended paan masala, with an estimated value of Rs 27,470.
The two shopkeepers were arrested the next day, on July 15. During interrogation, they could not provide valid purchase receipts for the banned substances found in their stores. They have been charged under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including:
- Section 274: Adulteration of food or drink intended for sale
- Section 275: Sale of noxious food or drink
- Section 123: Causing hurt by means of poison, etc., with intent to commit an offence
They are also facing charges under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Previous Seizures in Wagle Estate
Earlier in May, police in Wagle Estate seized gutka and other banned tobacco products worth Rs 40,000. The seizure happened when a police team intercepted a tempo transporting these items. The driver, Ayush Chotelal Nigam (22), and another individual, Shivam Sitaram Nigam (22), were arrested. They were charged under the following sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita:
- Section 123: Causing hurt by means of poison, etc., with intent to commit an offence
- Section 223: Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant
- Section 275: Sale of noxious food or drink
Authorities are still looking for a person named Anand Jaiswal, who is suspected to be involved in the illegal supply and sale of these banned substances.
