Mumbai Crime: Banned gutka worth Rs 16 lakh seized in Dahisar; one held

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The police in Mumbai have sezied nearly Rs 16 lakh worth of gutka, a prohibited product, from a tempo and apprehended one individual in connection with the case, according to an official.

Acting on a tip-off, the police set up an operation and intercepted the tempo at Pramila Nagar in the Dahisar area on Saturday, as stated by the official from MHB police station on Tuesday.

The police successfully seized the illegal gutka and arrested a 31-year-old man, with the vehicle being impounded, the official mentioned. Additionally, efforts are underway to locate three other associates linked to the accused, the official noted.

The arrested individual has a history of multiple criminal cases. In present case, the accused has been charged under pertinent sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 328 (causing harm by administering poison with intent to commit an offense), along with provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, as per the police statement.

It's important to note that the sale and consumption of gutka, scented, and flavored tobacco have been prohibited in Maharashtra since 2012.

Meanwhile, a gang which allegedly sold babies to needy couples has been busted here with the arrest of five persons from Mumbai and one from Nashik.

Last month, the gang allegedly kidnapped a two-year-old girl from Malad in Mumbai, took her to Malwani and later Nashik where they wanted to sell her for Rs 2 lakh, an official from Kurar police station said.

As the deal fell through, they returned to Mumbai and left the girl at Dadar railway station, he said.

The arrested accused have been identified as Irfan Khan (26), Salauddin Sayyed (23), Adil Khan (19), Taukeer Sayyed (26), Raza Sheikh, all nabbed from Mumbai, and Samadhan Jagtap, arrested from Nashik.

(with inputs from PTI)