Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 27 January 2025
In a major drug bust, the Diglipur Police seized 13.5 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine and cannabis plants from a residence in Durgapur, Ward No. 04, on 25th January 2025. The operation was carried out based on credible information, leading to the arrest and detention of individuals involved in the illegal activities.
The police received reliable intelligence that Dinabandhu Mondal, a resident of Durgapur, was cultivating cannabis plants at his residence. Acting swiftly, the police recorded the information in the General Diary and forwarded the information to SDPO Mr. Ankesh Yadav. A special raiding team was formed, including key officers Inspector Vijay Kumar (SHO), Sub-Inspector Mohd. Rafique, HC Sanjit Madhu, PC Bijoy Sarkar, PC Susen Das, PC Karuna Nidhan Singh, PC Neeraj Singh, PC Prabhakaran, PC Soma Dey and CT R C Rathore, with independent witnesses joining the team.
The raiding party then reached the residence of Dinabandhu Mondal. Upon arrival, his wife, Jyostna Kirtania, and son, Debash Mondal, were present, while Dinabandhu Mondal was reportedly out fishing. The police informed the family of their legal rights under Section 50 of the NDPS Act, 1985, and conducted personal searches. Debash Mondal was found in possession of a very small amount of suspected methamphetamine.
A thorough search was conducted inside the house and its premises. During the search, six cannabis plants were discovered. The plants were confirmed to be cannabis after examination. Further searching of the property led to the discovery of 13.455 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine, concealed in mineral water bottles and polythene bags inside a temporary shed used for poultry farming.
The recovered substances were immediately sealed and marked with a brass seal for further investigation. The entire procedure was video-documented and photographed, following legal requirements. All recovered items, including the cannabis plants and suspected methamphetamine, were handed over to the PS Malkhana for safekeeping.
As per the FIR, Debash Mondal was detained for interrogation, while Jyostna Kirtania, was not arrested due to legal provisions concerning female detainees after sunset, though she was kept under surveillance. Dinabandhu Mondal was absent during the raid. Preliminary inquiries indicated that Dinabandhu Mondal had brought the suspected methamphetamine from the coastal area of Durgapur, where he had been engaged in fishing activities.
The suspects have been booked under sections 20(a)(i) and 22(c) of the NDPS Act, 1985. Jyostna Kirtania has been charged under section 20(a)(i) of NDPS Act, 1985, while Dinabandhu Mondal is charged under sections 22(c) of the NDPS Act, 1985. The investigation is ongoing, and further actions are anticipated as police continue to probe the illicit drug operation.