Pune: Rs 1.13 Crore Banned Gutkha Seized in Chakan After Six-Hour Truck Chase
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Chakan, 19th September 2026: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Maharashtra, seized banned gutkha and other tobacco products worth ₹1.13 crore in Chakan after a nearly six-hour chase involving a Tata truck that allegedly changed its route to evade enforcement teams.
Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the administration would continue taking strict legal action against those involved in the sale or storage of expired, adulterated or otherwise illegally handled food products.
According to the FDA, the operation began around 2 pm on September 18 after officials received confidential information about the transportation of banned gutkha. The truck was reportedly expected to travel from Madhya Pradesh via the Samruddhi Expressway towards Bhiwandi and Thane. However, officials found that it had changed its route and was heading towards Pune via Sangamner.
After detecting the change in route, FDA teams were deployed along the suspected routes. A Thane division team was positioned towards Murbad, while a Pune division team was deployed at Rajgurunagar.
At the Rajgurunagar toll plaza, Food Safety Officer Laxmikant Sawale reportedly attempted to stop the truck by positioning his vehicle in its path. However, the driver allegedly failed to stop and continued driving.
Sawale then pursued the truck. With assistance from local police, the vehicle was eventually intercepted at the Chakan-Talegaon junction at around 8 pm, following a chase lasting approximately six hours.
During the inspection, FDA officials found various brands of banned pan masala and scented tobacco, along with the truck allegedly used for transporting the material. The total value of the seized goods, including the vehicle, was assessed at ₹1,13,54,600.
Seized material
Rajnigandha Flavoured Pan Masala
₹29,95,200
Tulsi Royal Jafran Zarda
₹9,60,000
Tansen Scented Pan Masala
₹24,94,800
T.O. Premium Zarda
₹2,64,600
RMD Pan Masala
₹26,40,000
Truck MH 18 BZ 2350
₹20,00,000
Total
₹1,13,54,600
The FDA said the legal procedure continued late into the night after the seizure, including documentation, preparation of seizure records and other statutory formalities.
At around 10 am on September 19, a Food Safety Officer, Pune, filed a complaint at Chakan North Police Station in Pimpri-Chinchwad against the persons and entities allegedly connected with the consignment. The complaint invokes provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, including BNS Sections 123, 223, 274, 275 and 3(5), and Sections 26(2)(i), 26(2)(iv), 27(3)(e), 30(2)(a) and 59 of the FSS Act.
The accused named in the complaint are Nafis Mehboob Khan (40), a resident of Haryana and the alleged driver; Nilesh Rathi of Khamgaon in Buldhana district and Arun Patil of Jalgaon, both alleged owners/suppliers; J.M.D. Enterprises, Dhule, the alleged vehicle owner; and Sanjay Mata of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, the alleged transporter.
The FDA has also requested the police to investigate the accused persons’ previous criminal records, the alleged supply chain and financial transactions. It has requested that, if evidence establishes the necessary grounds, a proposal be submitted to the competent authorities for action under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), 1999.
The FDA said the action was part of its ongoing efforts to curb the sale, storage and transportation of banned and potentially harmful food products in Maharashtra.
Citizens can report complaints related to food quality or suspected violations through the FDA’s toll-free number 1800-222-365 or the Food & Drug Grievance Portal.
