Nagpur: Intensifying its crackdown on the illegal trade of banned tobacco products, the Nagpur Police have carried out a major action under “Operation Thunder,” arresting one accused and seizing prohibited gutkha and flavoured tobacco worth over Rs 4.82 lakh.
The action was executed by the Ajni police team during routine patrolling, when Police Sub-Inspector Santosh Waghmare and his squad received specific intelligence inputs about large-scale storage and sale of banned gutkha and scented tobacco in a house-cum-grocery shop in the Shatabdi Nagar area.
Gold Rate
May 06- 2026 - Time 10.30Hrs
Acting swiftly, the police verified the information and, after informing senior officials, conducted a late-night raid in the presence of panch witnesses. During the operation, the police apprehended the accused, identified as Jaykumar Ghanshyam Gurbani (38), a resident of Gajanan Nagar near Abhay Nagar ground.
A thorough search of the premises led to the seizure of 332.1 kg of banned flavoured tobacco and pan masala, collectively valued at approximately Rs 4,82,668. The confiscated stock has been handed over to the Food and Safety Department for further investigation and analysis.
Based on a complaint filed by Food Safety Officer Sheetal Deshpande, Ajni police have registered a case against the accused under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.
Police officials stated that the action was carried out under the guidance of senior officials as part of an ongoing drive to curb the illegal storage and sale of gutkha and tobacco products in the city. Authorities have warned that strict action will continue against those involved in such unlawful activities, signalling a wider crackdown in the coming days.
