In a significant crackdown on illegal drug activities, excise officials in Hyderabad have arrested a 50-year-old man for allegedly cultivating ganja inside an ashram-cum-worship place he operated. The incident occurred in Panchagam village, located in the Sangareddy district of Telangana, highlighting concerns over the misuse of religious premises for illicit purposes.
Details of the Raid and Arrest
The Sangareddy excise district task force conducted a targeted raid on the premises following a specific tip-off received by authorities. The operation was meticulously planned and executed under the direct supervision of Circle Inspector D Ramesh, ensuring a swift and effective response to the intelligence input.
Background of the Accused and Ashram
According to official statements, the accused, identified as Avunti Narsaiah Maharaj, has been running the ashram for over a decade on his half-acre land in Panchagam village. The property reportedly houses both a place of worship and residential facilities, serving as a community hub that allegedly masked the illegal activities taking place behind the scenes.
Discovery of Ganja Cultivation
During the thorough search of the ashram premises, the excise team uncovered ganja plants being grown discreetly behind the main building. Inspector D Ramesh elaborated on the findings, stating, "In about four guntas of land behind the ashram, Narsaiah was cultivating ganja amid marigold plants to conceal the crop. This clever camouflage attempt was aimed at evading detection by authorities and the local community."
Seizure and Valuation of Contraband
The officials uprooted a total of 685 ganja plants during the operation. Additionally, they seized 17 kilograms of dry ganja and 897 grams of ganja seeds from the site. The combined value of the seized contraband is estimated to be around ₹70 lakh, underscoring the scale of the illegal cultivation operation.
Legal Actions Taken
Following the raid, Avunti Narsaiah Maharaj was taken into custody by the excise officials. He, along with the seized ganja plants, dry ganja, and seeds, was handed over to the Narayankhed excise police station for further investigation. A formal case has been registered against him under the stringent provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Judicial Proceedings
Officials confirmed that the accused was produced before a competent court after his arrest. The court has remanded him in judicial custody, pending further legal proceedings. This step ensures that he remains in custody as the investigation progresses, with authorities likely to delve deeper into potential networks or accomplices involved in the drug cultivation.
Implications and Community Impact
This incident raises serious questions about the security and monitoring of religious and ashram premises, which are often trusted spaces in communities. The use of such locations for illegal activities like ganja cultivation not only violates the law but also betrays the faith of devotees and residents who frequent these places for spiritual solace.
The successful raid by the Sangareddy excise district task force demonstrates the effectiveness of tip-off-based operations in combating drug-related crimes. It serves as a warning to those attempting to misuse sacred spaces for illicit gains, reinforcing the commitment of law enforcement agencies to uphold the law and protect public safety.
