Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Maharashtra FDA Seizes ₹1.13 Crore Gutkha After Six-Hour Chase
Officials in Maharashtra found a truck carrying gutkha and other tobacco products that are banned in the state.
The products were worth about ₹1.13 crore.
The FDA began tracking the truck after receiving secret information about it.
The truck was travelling from Madhya Pradesh and changed its route toward Pune.
An officer tried to stop it, but the driver continued driving.
After a chase lasting about six hours, police and FDA officials stopped the truck near Chakan.
Four people were reported arrested, while five people or entities were named in connection with the case.
The FDA said the shipment might be part of a larger illegal trade and asked police to investigate whether MCOCA could apply.
Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration seized prohibited gutkha, pan masala and flavoured tobacco valued at ₹1,13,54,600.
Officials tracked the truck after confidential information indicated it was travelling from Madhya Pradesh toward Bhiwandi before changing course toward Pune via Sangamner.
The truck evaded an attempted stop at Rajgurunagar Toll Plaza and was intercepted at Chakan-Talegaon Chowk with local police assistance.
Four people, including the driver, two alleged owner-suppliers and a transporter, were reported arrested; five people or entities were named in one account.
The FDA asked police to examine criminal records, supply links and financial transactions for possible action under MCOCA.
- Who
- The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration, local police, the truck driver and other alleged suppliers and transporter involved in the case.
- What
- Authorities seized prohibited gutkha, pan masala and flavoured tobacco valued at ₹1,13,54,600 and reported four arrests.
- When
- The pursuit began around 2 pm on Friday and ended around 8 pm; reports differ on whether the complaint was filed at 10 am or 10 pm on Saturday.
- Where
- The truck was intercepted at Chakan-Talegaon Chowk near Pune after travelling from Madhya Pradesh and changing its route from the Samruddhi Expressway toward Bhiwandi.
- Why
- The products were prohibited in Maharashtra, and the FDA said the case could indicate an organised and continuing illegal trade posing a public-health risk.
FDA enforcement assessment
Legal status remains unresolved
Nature of the alleged trade
FDA enforcement assessment
The FDA said the seizure appeared to involve an organised and continuing illegal trade rather than only a food-safety violation, with risks to public health.
Legal status remains unresolved
The reports do not include a response from the accused or establish that an organised-crime allegation has been proven in court.
Possible MCOCA action
FDA enforcement assessment
The FDA asked police to examine criminal records, the supply chain and financial transactions before proposing stringent action under MCOCA if appropriate.
Legal status remains unresolved
MCOCA applicability had not been established; police were only asked to investigate whether the law could be invoked.
People connected to the case
FDA enforcement assessment
Reports identify four arrested individuals and, in one account, a fifth named entity identified as the vehicle owner.
Legal status remains unresolved
The reports differ on whether five people or entities were named and do not clearly establish that every named party was arrested.
- Seized material value
- ₹1,13,54,600
- Products seized
- Pan masala and flavoured tobacco, including gutkha
- Pursuit duration
- Approximately six hours
- Interception point
- Chakan-Talegaon Chowk near Pune
- Reported route
- Madhya Pradesh toward Bhiwandi, followed by a route change toward Pune via Sangamner
- Arrests and names
- Four people were reported arrested; five people or entities were named in one account
- Possible legal action
- Police were asked to assess whether the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act could be invoked
Sources
FDA seizes gutkha worth Rs 1.13 cr; asks cops to check if MCOCA can be invoked against accused
Maharashtra: Tukaram Munde-Led FDA Seizes Banned Gutkha, Pan Masala Worth ₹1.13 Crore After 6-Hour Chase In Pune; Probe Underway