logo
May invoke MCOCA against Gutkha, Pan Masala traffickers: Minister Zirwal

May invoke MCOCA against Gutkha, Pan Masala traffickers: Minister Zirwal

Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration Minister Narhari Zirwal on Thursday said the state government is exploring whether those involved in the transportation and sale of gutkha and pan masala can be booked under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).
Banned gutkha and pan masala worth Rs 450 crore has been seized so far, while more than 10000 cases have been filed in this connection, Zirwal said. "The state government is exploring whether to book those involved in transportation and sale of gutkha and pan masala under MCOCA. A proposal will be sent to Law and Judiciary department to seek guidance on the matter," Zhirwal said in response to a question by BJP's Shrikant Bhartiya in the legislative council. Bharatiya said the manufacturing of gutkha and pan masala takes places in other states and is then transported to Maharashtra. Ambadas Danve, the leader of opposition in the council, said police and the RTOs in the border districts should be held responsible for entry of such vehicles in the state.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

BJP spreads lies, will never come for an open debate: CM
BJP spreads lies, will never come for an open debate: CM

Hans India

time14 minutes ago

  • Hans India

BJP spreads lies, will never come for an open debate: CM

Mysuru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has accused the BJP of deliberately spreading lies about the state government's achievements and challenged the party to engage in an open public debate—a challenge he claims the BJP continues to avoid. Speaking to the media after offering bagina at the Kabini reservoir, Siddaramaiah dismissed BJP's recent criticism regarding his alleged snub of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar during a government event in Mysuru. 'It is customary to welcome guests present at the event. Since the Deputy CM was not there at that moment, his name was not mentioned. BJP is just trying to create a rift between me and Shivakumar. Their efforts to gain political mileage through such claims are mere illusions,' he said. Addressing concerns raised over GST-related tax notices being issued to small traders for digital payments, Siddaramaiah clarified that GST was a central government initiative, and the council functioned under its purview. 'Although it falls under the Centre, we will consult with the Union Government and the State's Commercial Tax Department to arrive at a fair resolution for small traders,' he assured. Responding to media queries about the success of the recent Sadhana Samavesha, the Chief Minister said over two lakh people attended the public rally in Vijayanagara, demonstrating strong public support. 'BJP leaders only peddle lies, while they themselves are replicating our guarantee schemes across the country. Our government has already spent Rs52,000 crore to fulfill these guarantees,' he concluded.

Technical panel's report will guide dam safety works: DKS
Technical panel's report will guide dam safety works: DKS

Hans India

time14 minutes ago

  • Hans India

Technical panel's report will guide dam safety works: DKS

Mysuru: DeputyChief Minister and Water Resources Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday announced that the state government has constituted a technical committee to assess the safety of dams across Karnataka. Repair and development works will be taken up based on the committee's recommendations, he added. Speaking to reporters on Sunday near the Kabini reservoir after offering bagina, DCM Shivakumar observed that this was the first time in two years that the reservoir had filled up. 'After KRS, today we offered bagina at Kabini. This dam has supported us even in difficult times,' he said. He also confirmed that a proposal to expand the Kabini region had been put forth by local MLAs, and that the government had approved Rs35 crore worth of developmental works in the area. Additionally, a Rs88 crore micro-irrigation project DPR had been prepared and submitted. Referring to the Tungabhadra dam gate repairs, he stated that the incident prompted the formation of a technical committee to review the safety of all state dams. 'We will act on their findings as soon as the report is submitted,' he assured. When asked about the proposal for a Kabini Utsav and Kaveri Aarti, he said discussions would be held with district ministers and local leaders to promote tourism and employment through such events. On the stalled botanical garden project, he said that while private investment was welcome, the current priority remained optimal water use and dam safety. Regarding his sudden Delhi visit, Shivakumar clarified it was a private legal matter. 'I informed the Chief Minister, attended a brief meeting with lawyers, and returned the same night,' he explained. Reacting humorously to BJP's claim of disrespect towards him, he quipped, 'They always show me extra love because I'm stronger.'

Conman in judicial custody
Conman in judicial custody

Hans India

time14 minutes ago

  • Hans India

Conman in judicial custody

Mangaluru: RoshanSaldanha, a Mangaluru-based man accused of defrauding businessmen across several states of several crore rupees, has been remanded to judicial custody. The accused, who was arrested earlier this week, is facing multiple FIRs related to financial frauds, police said. Police produced Saldanha before a court on Saturday night, which ordered a judicial custody for him. Mangaluru South (CEN) police, who are already investigating two earlier cases involving Rs 11 crore and Rs 2 crore, have now received fresh complaints. A Maharashtra-based businessman alleged that Rs 5 crore was transferred to Saldanha's account on July 16. Similarly, a businessman from Assam claimed a loss of Rs 20 lakh on July 17. Police have since directed banks to freeze the accused's accounts. Chitradurga police may also seek his custody in connection with a separate case involving a Rs 40 crore fraud filed by an Andhra Pradesh businessman. Mangaluru Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said the accused will likely be taken into police custody again for further interrogation. Authorities have urged other victims to file complaints either locally or with the South CEN police station. Meanwhile, a Malaysian woman found at Saldanha's residence at the time of arrest is being processed for repatriation. Police said she has no role in the fraud. Her documents are being verified in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store