Used and Recycled Masks worth Lakhs Seized in Maharashtra; 3 Hoarders Arrested

The police on Tuesday reported that in Maharashtra’s Vasai town, Palghar district used N95 masks worth lakhs were supposedly found, stored by three, Nagraj Pilla (33), Rohit Kothari (30) and Mohammad Nigar Shaikh (28).

These masks were previously used, which were washed, ironed and packed for resale, inspector of the local crime branch Sidhhava Jaibhaye told PTI. According to her, there were approximately 25,000 masks that were worth Rs 51.34 lakhs. "Our investigation is still on. We are in touch with the police in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Rajasthan where the tentacles of the racket are spread,” said Gaurav Singh, Superintendent of Police, Palghar to Mumbai Mirror.

A case has been registered against the aforementioned three under sections 420 (cheating) and 270 (negligent and malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Indian Penal Code. Relevant provisions of the Essential Commodities Act 1955, Epidemics Act 1897 COVID Act, Epidemic Diseases act of 1897 and the Disaster Management Act of 2005 have also been charged.