Daijiworld Media Network - Virar

Virar, Jun 14: In a major crackdown, the Mira Bhayander-Vasai Virar (MBVV) police on Wednesday busted a counterfeit gutkha manufacturing unit operating from a farmhouse in Virar East. Acting on a tip-off, officials from the Extortion Prevention Department raided the premises, identified as ‘Holiday Cottage’ in Karanjon village, and seized fake products and raw materials worth over Rs 23 lac.

A case has been registered against 10 individuals believed to be running the illegal operation. "We have identified the accused and are currently tracking their whereabouts," said a Mandvi police official.

The raid followed a recent directive from the MBVV police commissioner to root out drug-related and illegal activities across the region. “We’ve been actively gathering intelligence on such operations. Local informers led us to the farmhouse, where we found large quantities of counterfeit gutkha being produced,” said officer Vijender Ambode.

The accused have been booked under Section 328 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for causing harm using toxic substances, along with provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The offence is non-bailable, and further investigations are underway to nab the culprits.