In a significant operation, the Pune Rural Police have made a substantial seizure of gutkha tobacco, valued at over Rs 55 lakh, near an ongoing road construction site in Kikvi Morwadi village, Taluka Bhor of Pune district. The police acted upon a tip-off about a strong gutkha odor emanating from a parked tempo, leading to the arrest of an individual in connection with the case. This article provides details of the seizure, the arrest, and the ongoing investigation.
The Seizure Operation
Acting on the information received, Police Inspector Avinash Shilimkar of the Local Crime Branch, along with a team including Police Inspector Sachin Patil from Rajgad Police Station, Assistant Police Inspector Nitin Khamgal, and other officers, conducted a thorough examination of the parked tempo. During the inspection, a significant quantity of gutkha was discovered inside a white and twine bag.
Arrest and Interrogation
The individual present with the tempo, identified as Ritvik Dashrath More, a 24-year-old resident of Morwadi in Bhor, was detained and subjected to questioning. Further investigation revealed that the seized gutkha belonged to R. Shivare and was being transported for sale to a buyer named Najim in Pune. The police also discovered two yellow number plates with the registration numbers MH 07 AJ 2943 and MH 12 TV 8247.
Seized Items and Valuation
The police seized various gutkha products, including popular brands like Vimal, Rajnigandha, and aromatic tobacco, along with the tempo. The total value of the seized items, including the gutkha and the tempo, amounts to Rs 73 lakh 85 thousand 400.
Legal Actions and Ongoing Investigation
Ritvik Dashrath More, the individual found in possession of the tempo, has been arrested in connection with the case. Additionally, Sudhakar Pansare, Dinesh Pansare, and the buyer Najim have been booked in relation to the incident. ASI Hanumant Pasalkar of the Local Crime Branch has filed a complaint on behalf of the government, and Police Inspector Avinash Shilimkar is overseeing the ongoing investigation.
