THE Local Crime Branch (LCB) and Hiwarkhed Police conducted raids on gambling den and illegal sale of prohibited gutkha at different places in the district, and seized contraband worth Rs 6 lakh, recently These crackdowns were taken as a part of “Operation Prahar” done by LCB. LCB squad, acting on a tip-off, conducted a surprise raid on an illegal gambling den at local B K square area under the jurisdiction of MIDC Police Station.

 

The squad nabbed Nagesh Khandare, Akash Bhatkar and six others into custody and seized cash of Rs 8,680, gambling materials and five mobile phones amounting to Rs 58,680. A case has been registered against the accused at MIDC Police Station, Akola, and further investigation is underway. In another action, prohibited Pan Masala was seized from shop No 26 AI Anda centre at Shastri Stadium Complex.

 

Police nabbed accused Mohammad Riyaz Mohammad Farooq (29) and seized contraband worth Rs 31,650. Meanwhile, a case was lodged against him at Ramdas Peth Police Station. Acting on a tip-off from the Forest Department, Hiwarkhed Police intercepted a pickup vehicle (MH04 GF 5130)at Zhari Naka. The vehicle was carrying banned gutkha and scented tobacco worth Rs. 14,100.

 

Police seized the contraband along with the pickup vehicle totalling to Rs 5,14,100. Hiwarkhed police arrested accused Laxman Babulal Jamunkar (30), resident of Telhara tehsil. These raids were conducted with perfection under the guidance of DSP Archit Chandak, Additional SP Chandrakant Reddy, LCB PI Shankar Shelke and the PSO Hiwarkhed.