Pune Police and FDA Seize Gutka Worth Rs 64 Lakhs in Major Raid
Pune, 19th February 2025: In a significant operation against illegal gutka distribution in Pune, Police and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials have confiscated gutka worth Rs 64 lakhs and arrested one person. The raid, conducted in response to complaints about illicit gutka sales in the city, uncovered a covert distribution network operating despite the state-wide ban on gutka and related products.
The joint operation led to the arrest of Sampatraj Chauhan, 38, a resident of Kondhwa. Authorities have also filed charges against four to five of Chauhan’s associates. The raid was initiated following a complaint filed by Food Safety Officer Vijaykumar Unwane at the Kondhwa Police Station.
Law enforcement acted on intelligence suggesting a gutka stockpile near Undri in Kondhwa. The team, comprising Kondhwa police and FDA officials, raided a warehouse in the area. Upon sensing the approaching authorities, three to four individuals at the warehouse fled the scene. However, the police managed to apprehend Chauhan in the vicinity.
The operation resulted in the seizure of gutka valued at 64 lakh 44 thousand rupees. Additionally, four vehicles used for transporting the contraband, worth Rs 12 lakh, were impounded. The total value of the seized items amounts to Rs 76 lakh.
This raid is part of ongoing efforts to enforce the state-wide ban on the sale and possession of gutka, pan masala, scented tobacco, and related products. The operation was conducted under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr Rajkumar Shinde of Zone 5, with Senior Inspector Mansingh Patil of Kondhwa Police Station leading the local police team.
