Pune: In a significant crackdown on the illegal trade of banned gutka products in Maharashtra, the Pune Rural Police seized gutka worth ₹1.15 crore, which was being transported from Karnataka.

The operation, conducted near the Khed Shivapur Toll Plaza on the Mumbai-Bengaluru bypass, resulted in the arrest of two individuals connected to the trade.

The arrested suspects, Mallama Bhimaya Daudmani (31) and Tushar Deepak Ghorpade (26), were apprehended early Sunday (October 27) morning when police intercepted the tempo carrying the contraband.

Both suspects reside in Pune’s Katraj area, though Daudmani hails originally from Karnataka. Following their arrest, cases have also been filed against their local accomplices, Swapnil Bhalshankar and Bablu Patil, who are believed to have been awaiting the delivery.

The state of Maharashtra has enforced a strict ban on gutka, pan masala, and scented tobacco products, yet black-market sales continue in urban and rural areas.

The Pune Rural Police received information about a possible transportation of gutka into Pune from Karnataka and subsequently set up a checkpoint in the Shivare village area on the bypass.

The gutka consignment, which was uncovered during a thorough vehicle inspection, had an estimated market value of ₹1.15 crore. The tempo and the contraband were seized, and two suspects were taken into custody.

The police investigation further revealed that the gutka consignment was to be distributed by accomplices Bhalshankar and Patil in Pune.

The operation was conducted under the leadership of Rajgad Police Station’s Inspector Rajesh Gawali, with overall supervision by Police Superintendent Pankaj Deshmukh.