Varanasi Police Escalates Pressure on Absconding Codeine Smuggling Kingpin
A police team in Varanasi has taken decisive action against Shubham Jaiswal, the alleged kingpin of a major codeine cough syrup smuggling syndicate, by displaying official court notices at his Kayasth Tola residence. The notices explicitly state that if Jaiswal does not appear before the court by the deadline of March 30, he will be formally declared a fugitive from justice.
Public Announcements and Property Forfeitures Intensify Manhunt
Following a specific order from the Fast Track Court issued on Friday, authorities have intensified their pursuit. A public announcement was broadcast via loudspeaker in the Kayasth Tola area and surrounding neighborhoods, directly calling for Jaiswal's surrender. The police team then proceeded to his house and physically pasted the court notice on the main door to ensure visibility.
"Shubham has been directed to appear on March 30," confirmed ACP Vijay Pratap Singh, underscoring the court's mandate. Jaiswal, identified as the proprietor of Shaily Traders, has been absconding since a case was initially registered against him at the Kotwali police station.
Significant Assets Already Seized in Ongoing Investigation
The legal pressure comes amidst a sweeping crackdown on the syndicate's financial assets. Properties collectively valued at over Rs 45 crore belonging to Jaiswal's father, Bhola Prasad, and their close associate Manoj Yadav have already been forfeited by authorities. Bhola Prasad is currently incarcerated in Sonbhadra jail following his arrest at Kolkata airport in November 2025.
In a significant move on February 25, a specialized team from the Sonbhadra police forfeited immovable assets worth Rs 4.5 crore located in Varanasi, all linked directly to the codeine smuggling operation. "After approval from the SAFEMA Court in Delhi, the immovable properties of Bhola at Bharlai in Shivpur and Jagdishpur in the Pindra area of Varanasi were forfeited under various sections of the NDPS Act," explained Sonbhadra SP Abhishek Verma.
Warnings Extended to Associates to Prevent Further Asset Loss
The enforcement net is widening. Sonbhadra police have also displayed similar notices at the residences of two of Shubham Jaiswal's alleged close aides: Nishant Kumar Gupta, also known as Ravi Gupta from Bhadohi, and Vijay Gupta from Kabirchaura in Varanasi. These notices serve as a formal warning, urging the individuals to present themselves before the police to avoid the forfeiture of their own movable and immovable properties.
The coordinated actions by Varanasi and Sonbhadra police represent a multi-pronged strategy combining judicial orders, public pressure, and aggressive asset seizure to dismantle the smuggling network and compel its key members to face justice.
