Archive · 27 Jul 2026
Alibag Police Seize Ambergris Worth ₹4 Crore
The Alibag Police recently seized a large amount of ambergris, which is a rare substance from whales, worth ₹4 crore.
They caught a man named Rahul Pandharinath Hatni with this substance during a night patrol near the coast.
The police found the ambergris hidden in his scooter.
The man and the seized items were handed over to the Forest Department for further investigation.
The police are increasing their patrols to stop illegal activities along the coastline.
Ambergris is illegal to possess, transport, or sell in India.
Alibag Police seized 4 kilograms of ambergris worth ₹4 crore during a coastal patrol.
A 33-year-old man, Rahul Pandharinath Hatni, was detained near a jetty in Chalmala village.
The ambergris was found hidden in the storage compartment of the suspect's scooter.
The total value of seized property, including the scooter, is ₹4,00,25,000.
The suspect and the seized material were handed over to the Forest Department for further investigation.
- Who
- Alibag Police and Raigad Superintendent of Police Aanchal Dalal
- What
- Seizure of 4 kilograms of ambergris worth ₹4 crore and detention of a 33-year-old man
- When
- Around 1.30 am on Sunday
- Where
- Chalmala village, Alibag taluka, Raigad district
- Why
- To curb illegal wildlife trade and strengthen coastal security
Law Enforcement Perspective
Suspect's Perspective
Legality of Ambergris Possession
Law Enforcement Perspective
The police emphasize that the possession, transportation, and trade of ambergris are illegal under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and strict action will be taken against violators.
Suspect's Perspective
The suspect, Rahul Pandharinath Hatni, has not yet publicly defended his actions or provided a statement regarding the legality of his possession of ambergris.
- Date of Incident
- Sunday, around 1.30 am
- Location
- Chalmala village, Alibag taluka, Raigad district
- Suspect's Name
- Rahul Pandharinath Hatni
- Amount of Ambergris Seized
- 4 kilograms
- Estimated Value of Ambergris
- ₹4 crore
- Vehicle Seized
- White Honda Activa
- Total Value of Seized Property
- ₹4,00,25,000
- Legal Authority
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972