Union Minister of State for Home, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, has raised serious questions about the legal standing of the Telangana government's specialized anti-drug squad. On Saturday, the minister directly challenged the Congress-led state administration over the authority of its 'EAGLE team'.
Questioning Legal Mandate and Selective Action
Bandi Sanjay Kumar expressed strong doubts regarding the legal foundation of the Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE). He stated that merely registering cases is an insufficient response to the growing drug menace. The minister emphasized that effective prosecution of those arrested is crucial for any real impact.
He further pointed out a concerning pattern in recent investigations. Sanjay questioned why alleged drug buyers were not being arrested alongside the peddlers in several cases. He warned that such selective action would fail to address the root of the problem and demanded a more comprehensive approach from the state's enforcement agencies.
Demand for Transparency and Probe into Past Cases
The Union Minister made a specific demand for public disclosure. He urged the state government to make public all details of drug cases registered and investigated during the tenure of IPS officer Akun Sabharwal. Sabharwal served as the director of enforcement and vigilance in the excise department.
Sanjay leveled a significant allegation, claiming that investigation reports submitted in that period were suppressed by a senior official in the previous BRS government. He called for a thorough probe into these matters to ensure justice and transparency.
Call to Reinstate Officer and Conclude Cases
To ensure a fair investigation, Bandi Sanjay Kumar proposed a concrete step. He urged the government to bring back IPS officer Akun Sabharwal, who is currently on central deputation, to lead the investigation into these drug cases. The minister believes Sabharwal's involvement is key to uncovering the truth.
Finally, he appealed directly to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. Sanjay requested the CM's office to actively pursue these cases and take them to their logical conclusion in the court of law. This push highlights the ongoing political scrutiny over Telangana's strategies in combating drug trafficking and the demand for accountability in law enforcement operations.
