Chatra Drug Bust: Two Arrested, One on the Run
In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, Chatra police arrested two alleged drug peddlers with a substantial quantity of opium from a forested area near Gothai village on Saturday. The seized contraband, weighing 1.11 kilograms, is estimated to be worth around Rs 6 lakh in the illicit market.
The accused have been identified as Raju Ganjhu and Ramdev Ganjhu, both residents of Jalma village under the jurisdiction of Lawalong police station. According to officials, a third suspect, Sarfaraz Khan, managed to evade capture and is currently at large.
Police Operation Based on Tip-Off
Simaria Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Nagargoje Shubham Bhau Saheb disclosed that the police received a credible tip-off regarding the sale of opium in the forest along the Bagra-Lawalong road. Acting swiftly on this intelligence, a special team was constituted to conduct a raid.
As the police team approached the designated location, the suspects attempted to flee the scene. However, the officers gave chase and successfully apprehended two of them. A thorough search of the area led to the recovery of the opium stash.
Legal Proceedings Under NDPS Act
An official First Information Report (FIR) has been registered at Simaria police station under the relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The police have launched a manhunt to locate the absconding accused, Sarfaraz Khan.
“Efforts are underway to arrest the fugitive and bring him to justice. We are also investigating the source of the opium and any potential links to larger drug networks,” said the SDPO.
About the Author
Vishvendu Jaipuriar is a seasoned journalist covering the Hazaribag and Chatra districts. His reporting focuses on crime, politics, and human interest stories. He has extensively covered programs of prominent national and regional leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during their visits to the region. Additionally, he provided in-depth coverage of the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case, with a particular focus on Hazaribag as a key epicenter of the controversy.
