Illegal Gutkha Manufacturing Unit & Distribution Network Busted in Brahmapur; Five Arrested
Desk,Odishabarta
Unlicensed Factory Owner Absconding; Police Intensify Efforts to Dismantle Supply Chain
Berhampur, November 3, 2026:In a major crackdown on the illegal manufacture, storage and distribution of prohibited tobacco products, Bada Bazar Police have busted an alleged illegal gutkha supply network operating in Brahmapur, arresting five persons and seizing 2,977 packets of unlabelled gutkha.
Acting on reliable intelligence regarding the storage and sale of banned and substandard tobacco products, Bada Bazar Police conducted coordinated raids at multiple locations under its jurisdiction on the evening of November 2, 2026.
During the initial raids at three retail shops located at Gouda Sahi, Bachhubari Sahi and Sankar Bazar, police recovered substantial quantities of prohibited and unlabelled gutkha products marketed under the names Original Gokul Deluxe Mix and Bindaas Gokul Deluxe Mix.
The seized products reportedly carried no manufacturing or expiry dates and lacked the mandatory FSSAI licence details.
2,977 Packets Seized.
According to police, a total of 2,977 packets, each containing 70 pouches, were seized during the operation. However the approximate cost not evaluated (?).
During questioning, the retail shopkeepers allegedly identified Babula Sahu and Narayan Sahu as their wholesale suppliers. Acting on the information, police subsequently raided locations at New Kalupatra Street and Ganapati Nagar 1st Line and apprehended both alleged wholesale distributors.
The two wholesale suppliers reportedly failed to produce any valid licence, purchase invoice or authorisation for the distribution of the products. Police further alleged that they obstructed officers while they were discharging their lawful duties.
Further interrogation reportedly revealed that the gutkha products were being procured from an illegal and unlicensed manufacturing unit allegedly operated by Santosh Patra at Chandipadar under Nimakhandi Police Station limits. The alleged factory owner the King of Gutkha Empie is currently absconding truely(?).
The five arrested persons have been identified as:
Ramesh Panigrahi (55), son of Late Tarini Panigrahi, of Koutik Nagar under Gosaninuagaon Police Station.
B. Trimaleswar Subudhhi (42), son of B. Satyanarayan Subudhi, of Bachhubari Sahi under Bada Bazar Police Station.
Sadananda Gouda alias Tinka (63), son of Late Jogendra Gouda, of Jena Sahi under Bada Bazar Police Station.
Babula Sahu, son of Late Trinath Sahu, of New Kalupatra Street under Bada Bazar Police Station.
Narayan Sahu (60), son of Late Saiba Sahu, of Ganapati Nagar 1st Line under Bada Bazar Police Station.
All five arrested accused have been forwarded to the Court of the SDJM, Brahmapur.
Police have intensified efforts to apprehend the absconding alleged factory owner and dismantle the illegal manufacturing and distribution network.
Further investigation is underway to establish the full extent of the operation and identify other persons involved.
Health Warning: Gutkha Consumption Poses Serious Health Risks.
The consumption of gutkha and other smokeless tobacco products poses serious risks to human health. Such products contain harmful and addictive substances, particularly nicotine, and are associated with oral cancer, gum disease, damage to teeth and other serious health complications. Regular consumption can also lead to nicotine dependence. Public awareness and strict enforcement of tobacco-control laws are essential to protect public health, particularly among young people. Odishabarta
