In a brazen attack on government officials, suspected gutkha smugglers allegedly attempted to run over a woman Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officer with an SUV and escaped with a truck loaded with banned gutkha and pan masala during a late-night enforcement operation near Waluj in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday at Rahimpur village, where an FDA team had launched a crackdown following a tip-off about the transportation of prohibited tobacco products.
The team, led by Assistant Commissioner Vivek Patil and comprising Food Safety Officers Farid Siddiqui and Pragya Surse, along with Sample Assistant Amol Kamble, intercepted a suspicious truck bearing registration number MH-16-CD-8296. During the inspection, officials reportedly discovered 25 to 30 sacks containing banned gutkha and pan masala products.
According to officials, the team had sought police protection from the Waluj Police Station. However, before police personnel could reach the spot, a black Scorpio SUV without a registration number allegedly arrived at the location.
The occupants of the SUV reportedly surrounded the FDA officials, verbally abused them and attempted to disrupt the seizure operation. The situation soon escalated, with the accused allegedly issuing threats and creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
As per the complaint, the suspects allegedly shouted threats, including calls to shoot the officials. The accused then allegedly drove the SUV towards the FDA team in an attempt to run them over.
Sensing imminent danger, three officials reportedly took shelter behind a nearby temple, while Food Safety Officer Pragya Surse ran across the road to save herself. Officials said the timely reaction of the team prevented a potentially fatal incident.
Amid the chaos, one of the accused allegedly drove away the truck carrying the banned products, while the remaining suspects fled from the scene.
Based on Surse’s complaint, Waluj police have registered a case under various provisions related to attempt to murder, obstructing a public servant from discharging official duties, criminal intimidation and removal of seized contraband.
Police Sub-Inspector Ajay Shitole is leading the investigation.
According to police sources, suspects identified as Saddam and Prabhakar Solunke are known for their alleged involvement in gutkha smuggling activities across the Marathwada region. In an earlier Crime Branch operation, gutkha worth nearly ₹60 lakh was reportedly seized from Solunke’s residence, leading to his arrest and the confiscation of multiple luxury vehicles.
The incident has raised serious concerns within the administration over the growing boldness of organised gutkha smuggling networks and the risks faced by enforcement officers while carrying out anti-contraband operations.
