Nagpur: Crime Branch Unit 1, on Monday, conducted a raid near Bhola Pan Mandir at Lokmat Square in the Dhantoli area, seizing a large quantity of banned tobacco products. The raid uncovered various flavored and scented tobacco items, pan masala, and gutkha, collectively valued at Rs 71,163.

The accused, identified as Ganesh Devnarayan Pandey (39), a resident of G-16, Vijay Bhavan, Lokmat Square, had allegedly stocked the prohibited items for illegal sale. He was taken into custody for violating Sections 123, 223, 274, and 275 of the BNS and Section 59 of the Food Safety and Standards Act. Further investigation is ongoing at Dhantoli Police Station.

The operation was directed by senior officials, including Police Commissioner Ravindrakumar Singhal and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Detection) Rahul Makanikar. The raid was led by Senior Police Inspector Suhas Chaudhari, along with Bhonde, Manoj Tekam, Ravi Ahir, Ritesh Tumdam, Sushant Solanki, Pritam Yadav, Hemant Lonare, Ravindra Raut, and Swapnil Khodke.