In a shocking case that has raised serious questions about police integrity, a constable serving with the Ahmedabad traffic police has been formally accused of involvement in a significant drug smuggling operation. The city's Special Operations Group (SOG) has registered a case against the officer after his name emerged during the interrogation of a recently arrested suspect.
Naroda Raid Uncovers Major Drug Haul
The chain of events began with a precise intelligence tip received by the SOG. Acting on specific information about a suspected drug deal, officers conducted a raid late on Sunday in the Naroda area. Their target was Ajay Baghel, a man suspected of carrying a consignment of charas for sale near Shankheshwar Township on the Naroda–Muthia road.
The police successfully detained Baghel, who is disabled in one leg. During a search, they recovered five packets containing a brown, solid substance that emitted a distinct smell. The police also seized a mobile phone and Rs 300 in cash from his possession.
Forensic Confirmation and Constable's Alleged Role
The suspected material was immediately sent for forensic analysis. The test results confirmed the substance to be charas, a cannabis resin. The total weight of the confiscated contraband was a substantial 1.872 kilograms, with an estimated street value exceeding Rs 4.68 lakh.
During his subsequent interrogation, Ajay Baghel made a startling revelation to investigators. He allegedly confessed that he had procured the illegal drugs from Shailesh Chauhan, a resident of Ahmedabad, for the purpose of retail sale. A follow-up investigation by the SOG uncovered that Chauhan was not just any civilian; he was a serving constable with the Ahmedabad city traffic police.
Case Registered and Manhunt Launched
On Monday, the SOG, operating under the Detection of Crime Branch (DCB), officially registered a case under the stringent Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The case names both Ajay Baghel and the absconding police constable, Shailesh Chauhan, as accused.
Authorities confirmed that Constable Shailesh Chauhan is currently evading arrest. A manhunt is underway to trace him. Police officials have stated that a critical focus of the ongoing investigation is to ascertain whether the constable was acting alone or is a link in a larger, more organized drug distribution network operating in the region. This incident has sent ripples through the police department, prompting internal scrutiny.
