UP Banned Cough Syrup Racket Unfolds Major Political Scandal
A major banned cough syrup racket built around the illegal trade of Phensedyl and codeine-based syrup has surfaced in Uttar Pradesh, revealing shocking political connections and a sprawling ₹100 crore smuggling operation. The case, involving kingpin Shubham Jaiswal and his associate Amit Singh Tata, has raised serious questions about political patronage with links to former MP Dhananjay Singh and BJP MLA Sushil Singh. The Special Task Force (STF) is investigating the matter extensively after busting multiple clandestine shipments across districts including Ghaziabad, Varanasi, and Sonbhadra, extending beyond Indian borders into Nepal and Bangladesh.
Unraveling the Smuggling Network and Political Ties
According to police and STF findings, Shubham Jaiswal and Amit Singh Tata openly maintained close relations with political figures, frequently spotted together and sharing photographs with Dhananjay Singh and BJP's Sushil Singh. Allegations have circulated widely on social media about these connections, with a viral video showing BJP MLA Sushil Singh referring to Amit Tata as his "younger brother." Similarly, Dhananjay Singh, a former MP, also acknowledged Amit Tata as close to him, fueling speculations of political protection for the racket.
Massive Money Trail and International Links
The racket's financial setup involves hawala networks and shell companies that facilitated millions in illicit profits. Investigations revealed that after the original manufacturer Abbott stopped producing Phensedyl syrup, Jaiswal bought out leftover stocks worth ₹100 crore under suspicious circumstances, indicating a well-organized black market operation. This stock was distributed through fake firms from Himachal Pradesh, moving through multiple states and finally exported illegally to Bangladesh and Nepal. The syrups were sold extensively at marked-up prices abroad, generating vast profits laundered back through hawala channels.
Recent Arrests and Political Fallout
Further developments saw the arrest of Amit Singh Tata, while the STF issued a lookout notice for Shubham Jaiswal, believed to be in Dubai presently. The father of Shubham, Bhola Prasad Jaiswal, has also been taken into custody for his alleged role. Amid rising political heat, Dhananjay Singh distanced himself from the accused, condemning the circulated photos and asserting that his political rivals are misleading the public to tarnish his reputation. He called for a thorough CBI probe into the matter involving top leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Political Reactions and Government Response
The scandal has stirred political turmoil, with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav accusing the BJP of harboring cough syrup smugglers within its ranks. In response, the Uttar Pradesh government has promised a stringent investigation, with Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya assuring no leniency for those involved. The case has exposed a nexus of crime, politics, and corruption deeply embedded in the illegal supply chain of dangerous banned medicines.
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