JAJPUR, 02/09(PPT): Jajpur Police have busted an alleged illegal manufacturing and packing unit of ‘Dokta Gundi’ and other tobacco products at Nischinta village under Jajpur Sadar police station and arrested two persons in connection with the case.
According to police, the action was taken on the evening of September 1 after the Jajpur Sadar police received information about the alleged manufacture and packing of tobacco/Gundi products at the accused persons’ premises. Jajpur Sadar police team led by Sub-Inspector Subash Chandra Muduli, accompanied by other personnel and independent witnesses, conducted a search of the premises.
Police said the two accused were allegedly found engaged in the manufacture, packing and sealing of Gundi/tobacco products. During questioning, they reportedly stated that they were operating the unit under the name “Mahalaxmi Enterprises”. Police said the duo failed to produce valid licences, registrations or authorisations for the manufacture, processing, possession or sale of the products.
A substantial quantity of raw materials and finished products was allegedly seized from the premises. The seizure included around 1,920.9 kg of coriander seeds, 222.5 kg of unpacked Gundi, 187.99 kg of sealed Gundi packets, 172.5 kg of lime, 111.72 kg of mustard oil, 220.75 kg of Gundi bearing different brand markings, 365.15 kg of coriander husk and 1 kg of Dokta leaf.
Police also seized 42 empty mustard oil tins, two plastic drums containing about 3.8 litres of suspected chemicals, two sealed machines, two weighing machines and two Gundi-packing machines.
The police alleged that the products were being manufactured and packed in unhygienic conditions. Officers also observed a strong foul smell at the premises, which they said caused irritation to the eyes and respiratory system.
The police further alleged that some of the sealed packets did not carry required particulars such as nicotine content, prescribed health warnings and other mandatory information relating to tobacco products. The seized material is likely to be subjected to appropriate laboratory or competent-authority examination to establish its composition and safety.
Police also suspect that the accused persons were using trademarks or brand names of different companies without lawful permission. The ownership of the trademarks and whether the accused had obtained any consent or authorisation are being verified as part of the investigation.
A case has been registered at Jajpur Sadar Police Station as Case No. 291 dated September 1, 2026, under Sections 318(4), 274 and 275 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), read with Sections 103 and 104 of the Trade Marks Act and Section 20 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).
Sub-Inspector Lingaraj Behera is investigating the case. Police said further investigation is underway.