Police in Chhattisgarh have uncovered a new interstate ganja smuggling method in which traffickers allegedly disguised themselves as roadside clothes vendors to transport narcotics across districts and states. In separate operations carried out in Mahasamund and Dhamtari districts, police seized around 378 kilograms of ganja worth nearly ₹1.90 crore and arrested 13 accused, including a minor.

According to officials, the accused travelled on motorcycles carrying bundles of clothes to avoid suspicion. During searches, police discovered specially designed hidden iron compartments installed on the bikes where ganja packets had been concealed beneath garments. Investigators said the narcotics were allegedly being transported from Odisha and supplied to other states including Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Suspicion During Checking

The first major operation was conducted by Basna police in Mahasamund district after officials received information that a group of smugglers was moving towards Chhattisgarh from Odisha carrying narcotics.

Police teams immediately set up checkpoints and intensified checking on suspected routes. After some time, five motorcycles moving in a line were spotted approaching the barricade. The riders were carrying large bundles of clothes and reportedly claimed to be travelling vendors selling garments in villages and local markets. Officials said the men were shouting slogans commonly used by roadside clothes sellers in an attempt to appear genuine. However, police grew suspicious after observing their movements and behaviour during questioning.

Secret Chambers Found

During detailed inspection of the motorcycles, police discovered specially modified iron frames and hidden compartments attached beneath the clothes bundles on the rear side of the bikes. When the garments were removed, officers found large quantities of ganja concealed inside the secret boxes. Police said the smugglers had carefully designed the structure to ensure the narcotics remained hidden during routine checking and appeared like ordinary luggage used by street vendors.

In the first operation, police seized nearly 215 kilograms of ganja and arrested five accused. During interrogation, the accused allegedly admitted that the narcotics were brought from Baliguda area in Odisha and were being transported to Madhya Pradesh for supply.

Multiple Raids Conducted

Mahasamund police later carried out additional operations in separate areas based on further intelligence inputs. In another case, Basna police arrested three accused with around 23 kilograms of ganja valued at nearly ₹11.5 lakh. Similarly, Komakhan police intercepted another motorcycle near Temri check post and recovered around 9.6 kilograms of ganja from two riders.

Officials stated that in all the Mahasamund operations combined, police seized seven motorcycles, six mobile phones and five specially fabricated iron racks used for hiding narcotics. Police said the accused belonged to different districts of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and nearby border areas.

Dhamtari Operation

A similar smuggling pattern was also uncovered in Dhamtari district, where police arrested three more accused, including a minor, from the Keregaon police station area. Officials said the accused were moving in a convoy of three motorcycles while pretending to be clothes vendors travelling through rural roads. Police recovered more than 131 kilograms of ganja during the operation.

According to investigators, the accused had also installed modified iron structures on their motorcycles to conceal the narcotics under piles of clothing. During questioning, the accused reportedly confirmed that the ganja had been sourced from Odisha.

Interstate Network Suspected

Police believe the operations exposed an organised interstate narcotics network using innovative methods to avoid detection during transportation. Investigators suspect the accused were part of a larger smuggling chain operating between Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Officials said smugglers are increasingly shifting to disguised transportation methods after stricter highway surveillance and vehicle checking measures were introduced. By using motorcycles and disguising themselves as travelling vendors, traffickers attempted to move through villages and smaller roads where checking is comparatively less intensive.

Questions Over Surveillance

The Dhamtari seizure has also raised serious questions regarding local police monitoring and border checking systems. Officials confirmed that the accused crossed multiple police station areas, including Burai, Sihawa, Nagri and Dugli, before finally being intercepted near Keregaon.

The movement of such a large quantity of ganja through several jurisdictions without interception has triggered discussions regarding intelligence coordination and routine checking systems. Residents and local observers questioned how the traffickers managed to travel across multiple checkpoints despite carrying narcotics in large quantities.

Police Investigation Continues

Police officials stated that interrogation of the arrested accused is continuing to identify other members of the network involved in transportation and distribution. Authorities are also investigating whether local support systems or supply contacts existed in Chhattisgarh and neighbouring states. Officials indicated that additional raids may be conducted based on information gathered during questioning. The operations are being seen as a significant breakthrough in tackling organised narcotics trafficking in the region.

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Car Lottery Scam: Retired BSP Employee Duped of ₹1 Crore

Car lottery scam traps retired BSP employee in Dhamtari; fraudsters extract money over three years through fake tax and investment claims

Major Fraud Reported

A car lottery scam has surfaced in Dhamtari, where a 66-year-old retired BSP employee was allegedly duped of nearly ₹1 crore by unidentified cyber fraudsters. The victim was lured with the promise of winning a car worth ₹15 lakh and was gradually coerced into transferring money over a span of three years.

Victim’s Ordeal

According to officials, the victim, identified as Kamlesh Thakur, a resident of a village under the Bhakhara police station limits, fell prey to the scam after ordering Ayurvedic medicines online in July 2022. Soon after the purchase, he began receiving calls from unknown numbers, initiating a chain of fraudulent interactions.

Lure of Lottery

Fraudsters reportedly informed the victim that he had won a car in a lottery. They claimed the vehicle would be delivered after payment of certain taxes and processing fees. When the victim hesitated, he was told that opting out of the car would still allow him to earn high returns if he deposited additional funds.

Payments in Installments

Officials said the accused first demanded a “processing fee” and later continued to extract money under various pretexts, including taxes and investment benefits. Over time, the victim transferred approximately ₹80 lakh through online and bank transactions, details of which he submitted to the police. The total estimated loss is believed to be close to ₹1 crore.

Three-Year Scam Trail

Preliminary investigation indicates that the fraud occurred between 2022 and 2025. The victim continued making payments in multiple instalments, allegedly under pressure and false assurances of returns. The scam only came to light when family members were informed, prompting a formal complaint.

Police Investigation On

Police in Dhamtari have registered a case against unknown individuals and initiated an investigation. Officials said efforts are underway to trace the accused through bank records and digital transaction trails. Authorities also suspect a wider network involved in similar online frauds.

Public Advisory Issued

Police have urged citizens to remain cautious against such schemes, especially those involving lottery winnings or high-return investments. Officials emphasised that legitimate lotteries do not demand upfront payments and advised people to verify any financial claims before transferring money.

Rising Cyber Frauds

This case highlights the growing trend of cyber frauds targeting elderly individuals across India. Similar scams involving fake lotteries, investment schemes, and online purchases have been reported in multiple regions, raising concerns over digital safety and awareness.

What Lies Ahead

Investigators are expected to coordinate with cybercrime units and financial institutions to track the suspects. Authorities have reiterated the need for stricter vigilance and public awareness campaigns to prevent such incidents. The car lottery scam remains under probe, with officials hoping to recover part of the defrauded amount.