Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, August 30: In a significant operation, police in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar have arrested Istekar Ahmed Nisar Khan, the main mastermind behind the illegal transportation and disposal of hazardous industrial chemicals and powders. The arrest took place in Uttar Pradesh, near the Nepal border, following extensive surveillance and technical investigations by a special team from the Sillod rural police. Khan had been evading capture since a case was registered against him, frequently changing his location to avoid detection.
The police investigation revealed a network involved in the illegal dumping of hazardous chemicals in various locations, including Palashi, Sillod city, Fardapur, Aland, Shivur, and Tondapur. Evidence collected from the sites included chemical drums, contaminated soil, environmental damage, vehicle movements, and financial transactions linked to the accused. Further inquiries indicated that this network extended beyond Maharashtra, reaching states like Telangana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
To date, authorities have seized approximately 352,220 liters of hazardous industrial chemicals contained in 1,601 drums, along with 40 tons of chemical powder and 50 tons of chemically contaminated soil. Additionally, three trucks, a hydra machine, and seven mobile phones valued at around ₹80.35 lakh have been confiscated. A total of 12 individuals, including Khan, have been arrested in connection with this case.
Investigations revealed that Khan has a long-standing involvement in the industrial waste disposal business. He gained experience in 2005 while working for the Golden Castle Company in Dharavi, Mumbai, where he learned to collect plastic waste and convert it into pellets. Later, he started a plastic disposal firm with his brother, collecting and disposing of plastic waste in the Bhosari and MIDC areas. Through this business, he connected with individuals in Hyderabad, including Sadik and Hussain, which led to further associations with companies in Telangana and Rajasthan.
The gang allegedly began illegally dumping hazardous chemicals and powders instead of disposing of them scientifically. Around August 2025, Khan became more active in illegal disposal activities in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar after connecting with Abdul Gaffar Khan Hamid Khan Pathan through Sadik.
Initial investigations revealed that over the past 10 to 12 months, Khan had sent large quantities of chemical waste to the rural areas of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar using more than 100 freight vehicles, each transporting about 200 liters in 100 drums. Police estimate that over 10,000 chemical drums mixed with sodium bicarbonate-contaminated soil were sent for disposal during this period. Gaffar Pathan reportedly received additional payments for each vehicle involved in the illegal disposal, with financial transactions exceeding ₹80 lakh among the gang members.
The investigation also uncovered the use of highly hazardous chemicals linked to the 3R Enviro Company in Nimbahera, Rajasthan. Preliminary information from the labels on the seized drums indicated the presence of high-risk industrial solvents such as THF, chloroform, and toluene. The actual chemical composition will be confirmed after scientific testing in a government-recognized laboratory. Under the guidance of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, the seized chemicals are being sent for safe disposal to a recognized TSD facility in Pune.
Following Khan’s arrest, police expect to gain crucial insights into the entire network’s operations and the individuals involved. He is currently in police custody, undergoing interrogation. Authorities are investigating the original sources of the chemical waste, transporters, intermediaries, financial transactions, and the final disposal methods and locations. Searches for other suspects linked to this network are also ongoing in Rajasthan and Hyderabad.
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