Nashik FDA Seizes ₹6.65 Lakh Worth of Banned Gutkha

Nashik's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has conducted a major crackdown on the storage and transportation of banned gutkha and flavoured tobacco in the district.

On July 30, 2026, the FDA raided three locations and seized stock worth ₹6,65,241 and one vehicle.

The operation was carried out under the guidance of Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe and the supervision of Joint Commissioner (Food) Mangesh Mane and Assistant Commissioner (Food) Sandeep Deore.

The first raid was conducted in the Harsul police station jurisdiction, where banned stock worth ₹1,08,666 was seized from Salman Babakhan Shah.

A case was registered at the Harsul police station, and Food Safety Officer Pratik Bhad carried out the action under the guidance of Assistant Commissioner Sandeep Deore.

In the second action, the FDA seized stock worth ₹2,01,800 and a vehicle valued at ₹3,00,000 from Sajid Akhtar Mohammad Mustafa Ansari in the Dyane-Ramzanpura police station jurisdiction in Malegaon.

The total value of seized goods in this action was ₹5,01,800, and a case was registered.

Food Safety Officers Sonal Padle and Shraddha Rahinj executed this action under the guidance of Sandeep Deore.

The third action was taken in the Peth police station jurisdiction, where stock worth ₹54,775 was seized from Yogesh Nandlal Sonje.

A case was registered at the Peth Police Station, and Food Safety Officer Chetan Pardeshi carried out the action under the guidance of Sandeep Devare.

In all three cases, charges have been filed against the accused under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The FDA has emphasized that protecting public health is its top priority and that no leniency will be shown toward any business operator violating food safety regulations.

The special inspection drive currently underway in the Nashik division will continue on an expanded scale, and Joint Commissioner (Food) Mangesh Mane has urged the public to report any complaints regarding food quality, unhygienic conditions, or adulteration.

Complaints can be lodged directly through the official online portal at complaints.mahafda.in or via the toll-free number 1800222365.

The FDA's crackdown on banned gutkha and flavoured tobacco is a significant step towards protecting public health in Nashik.

The action taken by the FDA will help to prevent the sale and consumption of harmful products and ensure that the public has access to safe and healthy food options.

The success of the FDA's operation is a testament to the effectiveness of the special inspection drive and the commitment of the authorities to enforcing food safety regulations.

The continued efforts of the FDA will help to create a safer and healthier environment for the people of Nashik.