The Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has seized a massive consignment of prohibited gutkha valued at ₹1.13 crore, leading to the arrest of four individuals. The seizure followed an intense six-hour chase across various parts of Maharashtra, culminating in the interception of a truck at Chakan-Talegaon Chowk.
The Pursuit and Interception
FDA teams initiated tracking of the suspicious truck on Friday afternoon around 2 pm, acting on confidential intelligence. The vehicle, originating from Madhya Pradesh, was initially believed to be heading towards Bhiwandi in Thane via the Samruddhi Expressway. However, it abruptly changed its route, turning towards Pune via Sangamner.
In response, the FDA swiftly deployed multiple teams along potential routes. The Thane Division team was dispatched towards Murbad, while the Pune Division team positioned itself at Rajgurunagar. At the Rajgurunagar Toll Plaza, Food Safety Officer Laxmikant Savale attempted to halt the truck by blocking its path, but the driver refused to stop and continued driving.
Officer Savale pursued the truck relentlessly. With crucial assistance from local police, the vehicle was finally intercepted at approximately 8 pm at Chakan-Talegaon Chowk, bringing the six-hour chase to an end.
Seizure and Arrests
Upon inspection, the truck was found to be laden with various brands of pan masala and flavored tobacco, all of which are prohibited in Maharashtra. The total value of the seized contraband amounted to ₹1,13,54,600. The entire consignment was confiscated by the Food Safety Officer.
Legal proceedings commenced immediately after the seizure and continued late into the night. By 10 pm on Saturday, a complaint was registered at the Chakan police station in Pimpri-Chinchwad under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against the involved parties. The four individuals arrested include:
- Nafis Mehboob Khan (40), the driver from Haryana.
- Nilesh Rathi, an alleged owner/supplier from Khamgaon, Buldhana.
- Arun Patil, another alleged owner/supplier from Jalgaon.
- Sanjay Mata, the transporter from Indore.
Potential MCOCA Charges
The FDA has indicated that this incident goes beyond a mere food safety violation. Officials stated, "Prima facie, this incident appears not merely to be a violation of food safety law but an organised and continuous illegal trade that poses a risk to public health."
In light of these findings, the Food and Drug Administration has formally requested the police to thoroughly examine the accused's previous criminal records, investigate the entire supply chain, and scrutinize financial transactions associated with the operation. If evidence points to organized crime, the FDA has urged the police to submit a proposal to competent authorities for invoking stringent action under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against those found guilty.