Ambegaon police arrested five shopkeepers, seizing Rs 49,900 worth of banned gutkha and cigarettes in raids across Katraj, Ambegaon, and Wadgaon. The operation aims to protect public health and curb illegal sales in local communities.
Pune,June,27 2025– In a bold move to protect public health, Ambegaon police have arrested five shopkeepers in Katraj, Ambegaon, and Wadgaon, seizing banned gutkha and cigarettes worth Rs 49,900. This crackdown reflects a commitment to curbing illegal sales, offering hope to communities striving for safer, healthier neighborhoods.
The operation targeted small retail outlets, including kirana stores and paan shops, where banned tobacco products like RMD and Vimal pan masala were being sold openly, defying government regulations. Acting on a tip-off, the police raided four locations within the Ambegaon jurisdiction, uncovering a significant stash of illicit goods. At Anand Traders in Bhaunchi Punyai Building, authorities confiscated gutkha and cigarettes valued at Rs 39,650. Raids at Akshay Paan Shop, Mauli Paan Shop, and Shivraj Paan Shop yielded additional seizures worth Rs 3,470, Rs 3,600, and Rs 3,180, respectively. The total haul, amounting to Rs 49,900, underscores the scale of the illegal trade in these areas.
The arrested individuals—Rahul Prakash Sancheti (32), Pramod Prakash Sancheti (36), Ravindra Rajkumar Wakde (26), Sunil Dagdu Surwase (24), and Prashant Bachha Kulal (41)—all local residents, now face legal consequences for violating the ban on gutkha and tobacco products. The case, filed at Ambegaon Police Station based on a complaint by police constable Ajay Ramdas Kamthe, highlights the vigilance of law enforcement in tackling this public health menace. For residents of Katraj, Ambegaon, and Wadgaon, the news brings relief, as these products are known to pose serious health risks, including oral cancer, particularly among young people drawn to their easy availability.
This raid is more than a legal victory; it’s a step toward safeguarding the well-being of families and youth in these neighborhoods. The sale of banned substances in local shops not only endangers health but also undermines community trust in safe commerce. By targeting these outlets, the police are sending a clear message: illegal trade that harms public health will not be tolerated. The operation’s success owes much to the coordinated efforts of the police team, who acted swiftly to dismantle these illicit operations.
As the investigation continues, the community hopes for sustained efforts to prevent the resurgence of such sales. For parents, educators, and residents, this crackdown is a call to remain vigilant, ensuring local shops prioritize health over profit. The seized goods, now out of circulation, mark a small but meaningful victory in the fight for a healthier, safer Ambegaon, where communities can thrive without the shadow of harmful substances.
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