Nagpur Businessman Reports 4.53 Tonnes of Copper Missing from Nhava Sheva
Sagar Bansode demands investigation into the disappearance of nearly 4.53 tonnes of copper imported from China.
4.53 tonnes of copper unaccounted for from a shipment.
Businessman Sagar Bansode calls for a detailed investigation.
Concerns raised over potential national security implications.
A significant quantity of nearly 4.53 tonnes of pure copper has reportedly gone missing from a shipment imported by Nagpur businessman Sagar Suresh Bansode. The copper, part of a five-tonne consignment from China, was supposed to arrive at Nhava Sheva but only 470 kg has been recovered. Bansode held a press conference at Tilak Patrakar Bhavan in Dhantoli on Monday, expressing his concerns and demanding a thorough investigation into the logistics chain controlled by Customs.
Bansode, who is the Director of AIO Trading India Pvt Ltd, has approached the Nhava Sheva police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged disappearance. According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed on April 2, 2026, the copper was imported from Shengdong Tongyu Steel Pipe Co Ltd and arrived at Nhava Sheva on January 6, 2026. The consignment was managed by Total Sea Land Logistics Pvt Ltd, but the FIR indicates that only a fraction of the shipment was accounted for, with 4,530 kg still missing.
The total value of the consignment was approximately Rs 50 lakh at the time of purchase, and Bansode estimates its current worth at around Rs 75 lakh. During the press conference, he expressed his frustration, stating, "I just want my goods back. Who will take responsibility?" He also highlighted national security concerns regarding the potential misuse of high-purity copper, which is crucial for explosive system components.
Bansode has alleged that there was manipulation of Customs and logistics documentation, including tax invoices. He pointed out discrepancies in the recorded duration of the consignment's stay in the Container Freight Station (CFS) warehouse, claiming it was there for 48 days, while officials noted only 38 days. He is seeking answers from the Indian Customs Department and the Mumbai Customs Commissioner regarding the roles of various entities involved in the logistics process.
Additionally, Bansode criticized the omission of the logistics company and certain individuals from the FIR, suggesting that there might be attempts to close the case due to the elapsed time. He has called for a probe by the Mumbai Crime Branch to recover the missing copper and hold accountable those responsible for the incident.
