In a shocking case that highlights the blatant disregard for public health, the Mumbai Sessions Court has denied anticipatory bail to two key accused in a massive Gutka smuggling operation. Businessman Vikram Mohan Tate, 41, and driver Md. Ataullah Shaikh, 33, are accused of masterminding the transportation of Gutka, a banned substance in Maharashtra, worth ₹4,50,480.
The court, led by Additional Sessions Judge R. M. Jadhav, rejected their plea for pre-arrest bail, emphasizing the severity of their crimes. Gutka, a dangerous substance known to cause cancer and other serious health issues, has been prohibited in Maharashtra for years. Yet, these individuals allegedly orchestrated its illegal transport, endangering countless lives for personal gain.
Investigations revealed that the contraband was being transported in a tempo owned by Shaikh, bearing registration number MH-03-EG-6903, while Tate, the alleged ringleader, used his influence to facilitate the operation. Their actions, described by the court as hazardous to human health, have raised alarms about the spread of such harmful substances despite the ban.
The court ruled that both Tate and Shaikh’s custodial interrogation is essential to uncover the full scope of this criminal network. Their role in smuggling Gutka into a state where it is banned is not just a legal violation but a direct assault on public health. By prioritizing profit over the well-being of citizens, they have shown a complete lack of regard for human lives.
As authorities dig deeper into this smuggling racket, the court’s decision stands as a warning to those willing to endanger public health for personal enrichment.
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