Seized gutka being routed back to market, Thane MLA alleges

Thane MLA and BJP leader Sanjay Kelkar alleged on Tuesday that despite a ban, gutka (scented tobacco mix) is available freely in the district, and seized material is finding its way back into market. In a letter to Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Minister Jaikumar Rawal, Kelkar also alleged that district FDA authorities refused to provide him information about seizure of gutka and its disposal.

Manufacturing, stocking and sale of gutka is banned in the state. The seized gutka which is stored at FDA office is being sold back in market, the MLA alleged.

Those arrested for illegal possession or trade of gutka were getting away with the help of FDA officials, he said..