Category: STATE

New Delhi, April 26 (IANS) In a significant step towards tackling the growing threat of online drug trafficking, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has launched “Operation WIPE” (Web-based Illicit Activities Prevention and Enforcement) and identified 122 instances of violations, an official said on Sunday.

The operation aims to prevent the misuse of online platforms for the illegal sale and distribution of pharmaceutical drugs regulated under the NDPS Act, the official said in a statement.

Under this initiative, the NCB has identified 122 instances involving 62 substances, including commonly abused drugs such as Clonazepam, Diazepam, and Fentanyl.

Of these, 58 substances fall under the NDPS Act, while four are classified as controlled substances.

The NCB has issued formal notices to concerned online platforms, directing them to take immediate action to prevent misuse of their services.

A comprehensive list of NDPS-regulated substances has also been shared to enable proactive identification and removal of such listings.

“Following verification, platforms like India MART, Tradeindia and Dial4Trade have taken corrective measures, including removal of flagged products and suspension of suspicious vendors,” the NCB said.

The NCB’s technical teams are continuing to monitor the surface web using advanced tools and international intelligence inputs to identify emerging threats and ensure timely intervention, the official statement said.

“Operation WIPE marks a strategic shift from reactive enforcement to proactive prevention, where illegal listings are detected and removed before they translate into actual trafficking. This approach strengthens India’s ability to combat drug networks operating in both physical and digital domains,” the NCB said.

“The initiative builds upon the success of an earlier crackdown in July 2025 under Operation MED-MAX, wherein NCB dismantled a highly sophisticated transnational drug trafficking syndicate operating across Asia, North America, Europe, and Australia with the help of US DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), AFP (Australian Federal Police) and other Foreign Drug Law Enforcement Agencies,” the statement added.

The operation was conducted based on the input jointly developed by US DEA and NCB India.

This case which originated from the seizure of 3.7 kg of tramadol tablets in India, uncovered an organised network that exploited digital platforms to conduct illicit business.

“Investigations revealed that the syndicate operated a call centre in Karnataka’s Udupi, which handled global orders through a leading online B2B platform. Pharmaceutical drugs regulated under the NDPS Act were listed online, and customers were contacted directly for supply without any legitimate documentation,” the NCB added.

“Payments were routed through cryptocurrencies, PayPal, and other remittance channels, while international re-shippers were used for last-mile delivery. Coordinated efforts with global partners led to multiple arrests, identification of the kingpin based in the UAE, and enforcement actions abroad, including seizures and dismantling of clandestine facilities,” it said.

–IANS

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New Delhi, April 26 (IANS) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Sunday arrested a prime accused in the West Bengal bomb explosion case, in which one person was killed and three others were seriously injured earlier this year, officials said.

Ahidul Islam Molla of Bijoyganj Bazar area in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, was arrested following detailed examination of his role in the explosion, which took place in March this year at Dakshin Bamunia village.

Another accused was arrested earlier in the case by the state police, an NIA statement said.

The NIA investigations revealed that Ahidul Islam was a co-conspirator in the crime, involving preparation of bombs and destruction of evidence.

“The bombs had exploded while being prepared as part of the conspiracy, killing one of the accused involved in the crime,” the NIA said, adding that its investigation in the case is continuing to identify other co-accused.

In a separate case, the NIA earlier this month filed charges against Muzaffarpur resident Kundan Kumar alias Kundan Bhagat in a 2024 Bihar case related to smuggling of illegal weapons.

The supplementary charge sheet filed before the NIA Special Court at Patna has named Kundan Kumar under various sections of IPC, Arms Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

He is the sixth accused to be charge sheeted in the case that originated with the seizure of an AK-47 rifle, along with lens, by the Bihar Police.

“Kundan Kumar, who was arrested by NIA in November 2025, was actively engaged in illegal procurement and smuggling of prohibited bore weapons from Nagaland, investigations had revealed,” the NIA said.

The weapons were being supplied to Maoists and other criminals in Bihar as part of the conspiracy involving Kundan Kumar and other accused.

Four accused, identified as Vikash Kumar, Devmani Rai, Satyam Kumar and Ahmad Ansari, were originally charge sheeted by NIA in the case in May 2025.

Charges against the fifth accused Manjoor Khan were filed in February 2026.

–IANS

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Amaravati, April 26 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday directed District Collectors to immediately implement an action plan to address the shortage of petrol and diesel.

Responding to reports of closure of petrol pumps across the state caused by shortages in petrol and diesel supply due to panic buying, the Chief Minister asked Collectors to immediately implement an action plan to address the issue and to immediately submit a report on the measures taken by various departments in resolving the problem.

The Chief Minister held a teleconference with Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad and senior officials to assess the situation.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that out of the total 4,510 fuel outlets in the state, nearly 421 petrol pumps had been shut.

They said that though 10,345 kilolitres of petrol and 14,156 kilolitres of diesel were supplied to dealers on Saturday, panic buying has led to heavy rush at many outlets.

The officials said under normal circumstances, daily sales in the state stand at an average of 6,330 kilolitres of petrol and 9,048 kilolitres of diesel. However, due to public concern over fuel shortages, fuel purchases have risen sharply. On Saturday alone, petrol sales touched 8,489 kilolitres and diesel sales increased to 10,556 kilolitres.

Officials explained that the sudden increase in sales has caused stocks to deplete rapidly at several outlets. Despite enhanced supply, long queues are seen at petrol pumps because of panic-driven purchases. They also informed the Chief Minister that bulk purchases in drums by the aqua sector were creating additional pressure on supplies.

Reacting to the present situation at petrol pumps, the Chief Minister directed officials to implement an action plan to resolve the problem and submit a report to him by this evening.

Meanwhile, civil supplies minister Nadendla Manohar has clarified that there is no shortage of petrol and diesel in the state. He stated that some pumps had closed due to problems in supply. He, however, said there was no fuel shortage and asked people not to panic.

The minister warned that strong action would be taken against those indulging in black-marketing.

–IANS

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Vadodara, April 26 (IANS) Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Yusuf Pathan, along with his family, cast his vote in the Gujarat local body elections on Sunday, while making remarks asserting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to remain in power in the state for decades, citing public preference and governance as key factors.

Speaking after casting his vote, Pathan said, “I will say that the BJP cannot be removed from power in Gujarat for the next 40–50 years. Whatever it is, facts are facts. The reality is that the party which is strong, works for the people, and is liked by them continues to stay in power. Across India, in different states, the parties that people support and feel are working for them are the ones they prefer and vote for.”

He further added, “My response is that people here like the BJP and vote for it based on development, so the BJP will continue to remain in power in Gujarat. Similarly, in West Bengal, the TMC party is preferred by the people because it raises their voices and works among the public.”

Referring to voter turnout patterns in West Bengal, Pathan said, “If these 92 lakh voters are included, the turnout would still remain around 80–81 per cent. There is no special ‘magic’ in the numbers; it is simply a matter of calculation and percentage adjustment.”

His remarks come as Gujarat is witnessing widespread local body elections across municipal corporations, municipalities and panchayati raj institutions.

According to official arrangements, polling is being conducted using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. across the state, with counting scheduled for April 28.

The exercise covers nearly 10,000 seats and involves over 4 crore registered voters.

Voting is underway in key urban centres, including Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot and other districts, with thousands of polling stations operational under multi-tier security arrangements.

Election authorities have also deployed large police contingents, quick response teams and digital monitoring systems to oversee the process.

In Nadiad, BJP MLA and Minister Sanjaysinh Mahida cast his vote at Kamla Primary School.

After voting, he said, “Today I cast my vote in my village. I request everyone to come forward and vote.”

–IANS

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Hyderabad, April 26 (IANS) The Telangana government has issued orders to promote self-employment among skilled women from Backward Classes (BCs) by supplying automatic sewing machines.

The initiative aims to enhance their productivity, expand tailoring business opportunities, and support them in becoming self-reliant entrepreneurs, according to an official release on Sunday.

As per the orders, 1,000 women in each constituency will be provided sewing machines with a 100 per cent subsidy.

Backward Classes Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar held a review meeting with BC Welfare Department Secretary Balamayadevi, BC Corporation MD Mallayya Battu, and other officials to discuss the implementation of the scheme.

The minister stated that the government has decided to provide sewing machines with full subsidy to 1,000 women in every constituency to create self-employment opportunities for women from weaker sections. Applications will be invited soon, and the selection process will be conducted under the supervision of District Collectors.

This decision has been taken as per the directions of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to improve livelihood opportunities for women from weaker sections. Providing sewing machines to 1,000 women per constituency will help them enhance self-employment and achieve financial stability. The BC Welfare Department is also planning to implement skill development programs and increase employment opportunities for the unemployed, he said.

The state government has already announced a program to make one crore women millionaires under the Indira Mahila Shakti (IMS) Scheme.

Under the scheme, the government is providing women’s groups in the district with opportunities to run canteens, dairy units, poultry farms, RTC buses, and even petrol stations.

The government also plans to give them the chance to operate rice mills and solar plants.

According to Panchayat Raj, Rural Development, and Women and Child Welfare Minister Dansari Anasuya Seethakka, the government has set an ambitious target to make one crore women financially independent and self-reliant. She emphasised that women’s welfare remains the government’s primary objective.

–IANS

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New Delhi, April 12 (IANS) In a major crackdown on illicit substances, the Anti-Narcotics Squad (ANS) of Delhi’s East District Police has busted an inter-state drug syndicate operating between Delhi-NCR and Bihar, arresting six traffickers and recovering 58.7 kg of ganja along with Rs 5.31 lakh in cash, officials said on Sunday.

According to police, two accused were apprehended earlier in the case, while four others were arrested during subsequent investigation, leading to the identification of key suppliers and distribution links across states.

The case pertains to FIR No. 90/2026 registered on April 2 at Pandav Nagar police station under relevant sections of the NDPS Act. Initially, two accused — Nadeem and Monu alias Abhishek, both residents of Delhi — were arrested with 45.760 kg of ganja, cash amounting to Rs 2.65 lakh, an electronic weighing machine and packaging material used for retail distribution.

During further investigation, the ANS team worked on both backward and forward linkages to identify the source and distribution network. Acting on technical surveillance and inputs, the police apprehended Sher Khan, a key supplier from Loni in Ghaziabad, on April 9. He had allegedly switched off his phone to evade arrest after the initial crackdown.

Subsequently, on April 11, another accused, Pinki Kaur alias Don, a local receiver and peddler from Kalyanpuri, was arrested. From her possession, 2.636 kg of ganja, and Rs 2.66 lakh in suspected drug proceeds were recovered, along with packaging material.

The investigation further revealed that the contraband was being sourced from Bihar. Acting on this lead, police laid a trap near Sanjay Jheel in Delhi and apprehended two Bihar-based suppliers — Deepak Patel and Vikas Rai — who were found carrying around 10.3 kg of ganja.

In total, the police have recovered 58.696 kg of ganja, estimated to be valued around Rs 30 lakh in the illicit market, along with Rs 5,31,580 in cash. An electronic weighing machine and bulk packaging materials were also seized.

Police said the accused were part of an organised supply chain that procured ganja in bulk from Bihar and stored it in rented or residential premises in Delhi-NCR to avoid suspicion. The contraband was repackaged into smaller pouches for distribution through local networks, primarily targeting densely populated areas.

“The operation highlights our sustained efforts to dismantle organised drug networks and curb inter-state trafficking through intelligence-based enforcement,” a senior police officer said.

No previous criminal involvement has been reported for any of the accused so far. Further investigation is underway to identify additional links in the network.

–IANS

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