Nearly 4.53 tonnes of 99.99 per cent pure copper allegedly went missing from a five-tonne consignment imported from China, with only 470 kg recovered, prompting Nagpur businessman Sagar Suresh Bansode to seek a detailed probe into the Customs-controlled logistics chain at Nhava Sheva. Bansode made the allegations at a press conference at Tilak Patrakar Bhavan, Dhantoli, on Monday. Sagar Suresh Bansode, Director of AIO Trading India Pvt Ltd, Nagpur, approached Nhava Sheva police seeking an investigation into the alleged disappearance and the roles of the Customs House Agents (CHAs) and logistics agencies involved. According to the First Information Report (FIR), filed at Nhava Sheva Police Station, dated April 2, 2026, Bansode had imported 5,000 kg of copper from Shengdong Tongyu Steel Pipe Co Ltd. The consignment reached Nhava Sheva on January 6, 2026, and was handled through Total Sea Land Logistics Pvt Ltd.

 

 

The FIR records the subsequent movement of the consignment and recovery of only 470 kg, leaving 4,530 kg unaccounted for. The consignment was worth around Rs 50 lakh when purchased and, according to Bansode, is now valued at nearly Rs 75 lakh. “I just want my goods back. Who will take responsibility?” Bansode asked. He also raised national-security concerns over possible diversion of high-purity copper, citing its use in components associated with explosive systems. Bansode alleged manipulation of Customs and logistics documents and tax invoices. He claimed the consignment remained in the CFS warehouse for 48 days, while officials allegedly recorded only 38 days. He sought an explanation from the Indian Customs Department and Mumbai Customs Commissioner, besides clarity on the roles of Customs, CFS, police and logistics agencies. He also alleged that the logistics company and some persons involved were not named in the FIR, and claimed officials were attempting to close the case citing the passage of time. Bansode has sought a Mumbai Crime Branch probe, recovery of the missing copper and action against those responsible.