Mumbai GRP Suspends 2 Constables Over Gutkha Smuggling

Two Government Railway Police (GRP) constables, Anil Gujar and Tushar Thakur, were suspended on September 7 for their alleged involvement in facilitating the transportation of banned gutkha through railway trains.

The suspension was issued by Mumbai Railway Police Commissioner Rakesh Kalasagar after a departmental inquiry found evidence of their involvement.

According to sources, the two constables were in contact with gutkha suppliers and helped transport consignments from Gujarat to Mumbai.

Gutkha is banned in Maharashtra, and its transportation is a serious offense.

The inquiry was initiated after a citizen filed a complaint with senior GRP officers, alleging that the constables were involved in the smuggling.

Sources claim that the constables helped facilitate the transportation of gutkha in air-conditioned coaches, with bags containing the banned product kept in storage compartments.

The gutkha suppliers allegedly paid storage contractors to facilitate the transportation, and certain personnel from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and other security agencies were also paid to allow the transportation.

The consignments were allegedly loaded at either Vasai or Borivali railway stations and later transported by taxis or other vehicles.

Several long-distance trains, including the Suryanagari Express and Golden Temple Mail, were allegedly used to transport the gutkha.

The packets were concealed in black bags and hidden among bedroll storage areas, with the alleged connivance of certain contractor personnel and others.

Railway passenger activist Samir Zaveri expressed concern that despite the ban on gutkha, it remains openly available at inflated prices, endangering public health and undermining the rule of law.

The suspension of the two constables is a significant step in curbing the smuggling of banned substances through railway trains.

The incident highlights the need for stricter enforcement of the ban on gutkha and other banned substances in Maharashtra.

It also raises questions about the involvement of security personnel in such activities and the need for greater accountability.

The investigation is ongoing, and further action is expected to be taken against those involved in the smuggling.

In the meantime, the suspension of the two constables serves as a warning to others who may be involved in similar activities.

The incident is a reminder that the transportation of banned substances is a serious offense and will not be tolerated.

The authorities must continue to take strong action against those involved in such activities to ensure public safety and uphold the law.