Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Balasore, July 30:

Police today seized a huge cache of banned gutkha products following raids on godowns in Odisha’s Balasore.

gutkha seized

Acting on a tip-off, police raided a godown near MovieEX cinema hall on OT Road and seized over 40 sacks of gutkha products worth over Rs 5 lakh. Besides, a godown near Phandi Chhak and Bus Stand area under Sahadevkhunta area were also raided.

“Tobacco-based pan masalas which have been banned by the government have been seized from a godown and a van. A godown owner and driver of a vehicle have been detained. Action will be initiated against them as per the provisions of the law,” Sahadevkhunta police station IIC, Pragyan Mohanty said.

The three godowns have been sealed today and will be handed over to the owners after inquiry.

“I have a valid license since last 25 years. Police are harassing us. I’ll give my reply in the police station. The gutkha products are being sold all over Odisha. It is not limited to Balasore,” a godown owner said.