Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 05 June 2024
In a significant crackdown on illicit ganja cultivation in the N&M Andaman District, the Kalighat Police Station (PS) has once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to combating drug-related activities.
Acting on credible information, a raid was conducted on June 1, 2024, by a team led by Sub-Inspector Ashok Kumar Baghel, the Station House Officer (SHO) of PS Kalighat. The team, which included ASI D.K. Singh, Head Constable N Rupesh Kumar, and Police Constables Subrata Biswas, Baikanta Majhi, Ripon Mistry, and Sunitha, was under the supervision of Mr. Brij Mohan Meena, DANIPS, SDPO Diglipur. Two independent witnesses accompanied the police during the raid for transparency.
The operation targeted a residence in the Kishorinagar No. 4 area. Upon arriving at the location, the team conducted a meticulous search of the premises and surrounding land. Their efforts were rewarded when they discovered 10 cannabis plants, weighing a total of 1.078 kg, cleverly hidden among banana trees and bushes at the back of the property.
The resident, Gopal Sarkar, confessed to planting the cannabis. He disclosed that the seeds had been provided by Anadi Sarkar, another local resident. Following this lead, the team proceeded to Anadi Sarkar’s house and seized 136 cannabis seeds. Anadi Sarkar admitted to collecting these seeds during a Naam Kirtan Puja celebration approximately a year and a half ago. He also revealed that he and Gopal Sarkar had chosen the secluded location on Gopal Sarkar’s land to avoid detection.
Both Gopal Sarkar, 49, and Anadi Sarkar, 50, confessed to their involvement in the illegal cultivation of cannabis. They were arrested and a case was registered at PS Kalighat under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The operation was conducted under the vigilant supervision of Mr. Brij Mohan Meena, DANIPS, SDPO Diglipur, ensuring its success and adherence to legal protocols.
The police have urged the general public to report any information regarding crime or illegal activities to their nearest police station or through the phone numbers 100, 112, and 03192-273344. The identity of informers will be kept confidential and they will be suitably rewarded.
This operation marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to eradicate drug cultivation and trafficking in the region.