Zone 7 Police Conduct Simultaneous Raids Against Matka and Drug Trafficking in Pune

Viman Nagar, 23rd July 2026: Pune City Police’s Zone 7 conducted three operations against alleged drug trafficking and illegal matka gambling under “Mission Crackdown”, Deputy Commissioner of Police Abinash Kumar said.

“Under the guidance of Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, Zone 7 teams are taking strict action against narcotics, matka gambling and other illegal businesses,” the DCP said.

Referring to the first operation, Kumar said a special team raided a premises in Sainath Nagar, Lane No. 1, Vadgaon Sheri, on July 20 after receiving information that “Kalyan Matka” and “Milan Rajdhani Pune Bazaar” gambling activities were being conducted there.

“Nine people were taken into custody, including seven alleged matka writers and two customers,” Kumar said.

The DCP identified the seven alleged matka writers as Bhim Ramesh Telangi, 31; Arjun Bhimrao Shinde, 50; Navnath Gorakh Mhaske, 55; Laxman Eknath Adhagale, 47; Nilesh Rajesh Gunjal, 36; Rajendra Sambhaji More, 54; and Atish Satish Sonawane, 29. The two alleged customers were identified as Navnath Subhash Gaikwad, 31, and Vitthal Chhaburao Duve, 50.

“Cash, three two-wheelers, six mobile phones and gambling material, collectively valued at ₹2,31,585, were seized during the raid,” Kumar said.
He added that Vishal Jagdish Tiwari, described as the alleged main operator, and the property owner, Sonu Pillai, had also been named as accused.

“Legal action is being taken against them, while Chandan Nagar police are conducting further investigation,” the DCP said.

In a separate operation in Wagholi, police acted on confidential information and intercepted two men who had allegedly arrived at night on a sports motorcycle, Kumar said.

“The two accused have been identified as Tushar Babasaheb Mhaske, 26, and Rajabhau Dnyandev Yadav, 27. Police recovered 15.80 grams of MD, or mephedrone, from their possession,” he said.

Kumar said the two men were arrested in connection with Crime No. 476/2026, registered under Sections 8(c) and 21(b) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

“Investigators are examining the forward and backward linkages in the case to identify the drug supply chain,” the DCP said.

Kumar said the Zone 7 special team also acted against matka gambling within the jurisdiction of Vimantal Police Station under Section 12(a) of the Maharashtra Prevention of Gambling Act.

“Cash and gambling material valued at ₹1,770 were seized, and a case was registered against the person concerned,” he said.

The operation was conducted by Assistant Police Inspector Gorakhnath Karad, Police Sub-Inspector Nitin Rathod, police head constables Bendre, Sable and Ithape, and constables Punde, Chinake and Sartape, Kumar said.

“Mission Crackdown will continue against banned gutka, narcotics, illicit liquor, gambling and other illegal businesses. Such operations will be conducted with greater intensity in the coming days,” the DCP said.

Kumar appealed to residents to report information about criminal gangs, illegal gutka sales, narcotics, illicit liquor, gambling, illegal possession of weapons or other unlawful activities.

“The identity of every person providing information will be kept completely confidential. Citizens can contact me on 8802007938 or the Zone 7 special team on 9922717999 and 9922744599,” he said.

“One tip-off can prevent several crimes. Citizens should cooperate with Pune Police to make the city safe, secure and crime-free,” Kumar added.