Despite Ban, Gutkha Trade Continues In Maharashtra; Govt Says 3,173 Arrested In 2025

Last Updated:February 24, 2026, 13:49 IST

Between 2021 and 2025, more than 13,600 offences have been registered across Maharashtra, and over 18,000 accused have been arrested by agencies during this five-year period.

The Maharashtra government has told the state Assembly that action against the illegal production and sale of gutkha is ongoing across the state. In a written reply, the government placed detailed figures on record, showing the scale of enforcement over the past five years.

Cases and arrests over five years

In 2025 alone, 2,438 offences related to gutkha were registered across Maharashtra. Police arrested 3,173 accused in these cases. Authorities also seized gutkha worth Rs 239.10 crore during the year. Preventive action was taken in 1,906 cases.

In 2021, police registered 2,617 offences. As many as 3,934 accused were arrested, and preventive action was taken in 1,550 cases. In 2022, 2,367 offences were registered. Police arrested 3,332 accused and carried out 1,397 preventive actions. The highest number of cases in the five-year period was recorded in 2023. That year, 3,477 offences were registered and 4,384 accused were arrested. Preventive action was taken in 2,399 cases. In 2024, 2,764 offences were registered. Police arrested 3,668 accused and initiated 2,044 preventive actions.

Taken together, more than 13,600 offences have been registered between 2021 and 2025. Over 18,000 accused have been arrested during this period. The steady number of cases each year shows that enforcement agencies are active, but it also indicates that the illegal trade continues to find new routes and methods.

Govt action

The government also shared details of recent action. On January 2, 2026, Bhiwandi City Police registered a case related to illegal gutkha activities and arrested three accused. In Vasai-Virar, five offences were registered in 2025. Six people were arrested and gutkha worth Rs 3.84 lakh was seized in those cases.

Gutkha remains banned in Maharashtra under food safety laws because of its serious health risks, including cancer and other oral diseases. Despite the ban, demand for the product has not fully disappeared. This keeps enforcement agencies on constant alert.

The government said police and food safety officials are conducting regular raids and checks across districts. Officials maintain that strict action will continue to curb the circulation of banned tobacco products and break supply networks operating within the state.

News india Despite Ban, Gutkha Trade Continues In Maharashtra; Govt Says 3,173 Arrested In 2025

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