Nagpur: In a crackdown on the sale of banned tobacco products, the Crime Branch Unit No. 06 of Nagpur Police conducted a raid and took action against a person allegedly involved in the illegal sale and manufacturing of prohibited flavoured tobacco products banned by the Maharashtra Government.

Based on a specific tip-off, the police team carried out the raid in the presence of two independent witnesses and seized banned scented tobacco products being sold under various brand names, along with two machines allegedly used for preparing kharra (a tobacco mixture).

The accused has been identified as Suraj Niranjan Meshram (28), a resident of Galli No. 10, Barakholi, Republican Nagar, Jaripatka, Nagpur city.

During the operation, police seized prohibited tobacco products and manufacturing equipment collectively valued at ₹44,976.

A case has been registered under provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, relevant Rules and Regulations, 2011, including Sections 26(1), 26(2)(iv), 3(1)(zz)(iv), 27(3)(e), 30(2)(a), and punishment under Section 59, along with applicable sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including Sections 123, 223, 274, and 275.

Police said that after conducting the medical examination of the accused and completing necessary documentation, the seized material and accused were handed over to Jaripatka Police Station, Nagpur, for further legal action based on the complaint lodged by the Divisional Officer, Food and Drug Administration Department, Nagpur.

The operation was conducted by the Crime Branch Unit No. 06, Nagpur City Police, as part of continued enforcement against the illegal trade of banned tobacco products in the city.