Nagpur: Acting under the directives of Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal, the Nagpur City Police have intensified action against the possession and sale of banned tobacco products under Operation Thunder.

On December 15, 2025, between 5.12 pm and 8.45 pm, a Tehsil Police team, while on patrol, conducted a raid at a residence near Panchpaoli First Gate, Goliabar Chowk, Nagpur, based on credible information. The operation was carried out in coordination with the Food Safety Department.

During the raid at house number 600 near Topre’s well, police apprehended the accused, identified as Namdev Shravan Tarale (45), a resident of the area. He was found in possession of government-banned scented tobacco and pan masala of various brands and flavours, allegedly stocked for illegal sale.

Police seized a total of 341.96 kg of prohibited tobacco products valued at ₹4.14 lakh. Investigations revealed that the accused was illegally storing and selling banned tobacco products for financial gain.

Following a complaint lodged by Food Safety Officer Sheetal Sudhakar Deshpande (42), a case was registered at Tahsil Police Station under Sections 123, 223, 274, and 275 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Section 59 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The accused has been arrested.

The operation was conducted under the guidance of senior police officials, including Additional and Deputy Commissioners of Police, and executed by Tahsil Police personnel.