Seized gutka and the vehicle
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Jalna police seized gutka worth Rs 95 lakh and vehicles valued at Rs 40 lakh in a raid at Rajur in Bhokardan taluka, taking the total value of the haul to Rs 1.3 crore.
Officials said cases linked to gutka and other offences had previously been registered against him at Bhadnapur and Hasanabad police stations, and he had repeatedly evaded arrest. Those indulging in such activities should not expect to evade police action,” Sandhu said. Tracing Bhumkar had been a challenge as he repeatedly went underground after earlier police action, according to police. Police said the seizure was part of an ongoing drive against the transportation, storage and sale of illegal gutka and banned tobacco products across the district. Officials said similar action would continue against those involved in or facilitating the illegal trade.
The operation was carried out by the SP squad within the Hasanabad police station limits. The raid caught both the suspects and local police by surprise, as superintendent of police Teghbir Singh Sandhu deployed personnel from the Quick Response Team (QRT) along with members of the SP squad for the operation. “We will continue to take stringent action against those involved in the illegal transportation, storage and sale of gutka and banned tobacco products. Acting on confidential information and after keeping watch on his movements, the SP squad tracked him down and intercepted the consignment.
Police arrested Sandeep Bhumkar, a resident of Rajur, who was allegedly wanted in earlier gutka-related cases.
The SP said the investigation has identified Ashish Dholtani, a resident of Burhanpur in Madhya Pradesh, as the alleged main supplier of the seized gutka. “Further investigation is underway to establish the supply network and identify others involved in the illegal trade,” Sandhu said.