In a major development in the multi-crore codeine-based cough syrup racket, the Varanasi Police has issued a lookout circular (LOC) and announced a reward for the arrest of the prime suspect, Shubham Jaiswal. The police action comes amid intelligence inputs indicating that Jaiswal has fled India and is suspected to be hiding in Dubai.
Properties Worth Crores Under Scanner
During the intensive investigation, authorities have identified properties in Varanasi worth nearly Rs 40 crore that are allegedly linked to the 33-year-old Jaiswal and his close associates. Varanasi Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal confirmed that a comprehensive verification process is underway to examine the land records, building approvals, and transaction histories of these assets.
"The verification process is ongoing and the value of the assets under scrutiny could increase as the investigation progresses," Commissioner Agarwal stated. He clarified that coercive action, such as attachment, would be taken only after documentary evidence and ownership records are firmly established.
Multi-Agency Probe and Nationwide Arrests
The probe has expanded to involve multiple government agencies. The police have shared details with the registry office and tehsil administration for verification, while the Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) has been asked to check if the constructions adhere to approved maps.
This racket has led to widespread action across Uttar Pradesh. So far, 78 persons have been arrested and action has been initiated against 134 firms connected to the illegal storage, sale, and trafficking of codeine-laced cough syrup.
SIT to Probe Financial Trail and Extradition
Given the scale and inter-district spread of the operation, the Uttar Pradesh government has formed a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT). Headed by an Inspector General-rank officer, the SIT has a broad mandate:
- To investigate the illegal financial transactions linked to the syrup trafficking.
- To probe consignment diversions, inter-state syndicates, and suspected money laundering.
- To initiate extradition proceedings against accused persons, like Jaiswal, who have fled the country.
The SIT will also examine the source of funds used to acquire the identified properties, suspecting they may be proceeds from the illicit racket. The political fallout of the case was evident during the ongoing UP Assembly winter session, where the BJP and Samajwadi Party engaged in heated exchanges over the issue.
With the LOC issued and a reward of Rs 50,000 announced for information leading to Jaiswal's capture, the net is tightening around the alleged kingpin and his network, even as the investigation continues to uncover deeper financial layers.
