A woman identified as the key supplier in a ganja trafficking case was arrested from Odisha after Raigarh police traced the network back to her through sustained interrogation of three smugglers caught in April. The arrest, made under Operation Aaghat, signals that the Chhattisgarh police are now going after the full supply chain — not just the foot soldiers.

The case goes back to April 22, when a tip-off alerted Kharsiya police that three men were moving a large consignment of ganja from Odisha by train. Officers deployed across likely routes spotted three suspicious youths carrying oversized bags near Kharsiya Railway Colony and detained them before they could move further.

The three were identified as Dinesh Kumar Behra (22), Shiva Behra (21), and Devi Prasad Kanhar (19), all residents of Kandhamal district in Odisha. During questioning, the trio admitted they had boarded a train with the contraband but stepped off at Kharsiya station after getting word that railway police were conducting checks ahead. A search of their bags yielded 52 kilograms of ganja, valued at approximately Rs 25.62 lakh.

What the interrogation unlocked, however, was more significant than the seizure itself.

Each of the three arrested men, questioned separately, named the same source — a woman called Subhadra Digal, alias Mami Malik, aged 41, living near Sambalpur Railway Station in Odisha. According to the accused, she had supplied the ganja and assigned them the task of delivering it to Bina in Madhya Pradesh. A technical check of the mobile number provided by the accused confirmed it was registered in Subhadra's name, giving police the lead they needed.

Raigarh police subsequently travelled to Odisha and, working with local police, raided Gochchapada police station area in Kandhamal district. Subhadra was taken into custody and during questioning admitted to supplying the consignment and arranging for its transport to MP. Her mobile phone, used in the operation, was also seized as evidence.

She was produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody.

SSP Shashimohan Singh said the case is part of Operation Aaghat, an ongoing drive targeting the full drug trafficking chain in the district. The effort, he said, is deliberately moving beyond arresting couriers — the focus now is on identifying suppliers, financiers, and anyone else profiting from the network.

The Odisha-to-MP route via Chhattisgarh has been a concern for enforcement agencies for some time, with tribal districts in Odisha known as source areas for ganja that gets routed into central India.

Panna Police Extortion: Trader Forced to Pay Rs 95,000 in Fake Ganja Smuggling Threat

Madla Police Accused of Framing Trader

In a shocking case of alleged police misconduct, four people including Madla police station in-charge TI Rachna Patel have been booked for allegedly holding a Rewa-based trader hostage and extorting Rs 95,000 by threatening to implicate him in a ganja smuggling case.

The incident occurred on the afternoon of May 14 when Mohanlal Soni, a 40-year-old sarraf (gold trader) from Rahatgaon village in Rewa district, was travelling towards Bageshwar Dham. According to his complaint, he reached near Madla village in Panna around 5 pm and had parked his car at a petrol pump when two men in civilian clothes approached him.

The men identified themselves as policemen and accused Soni of carrying ganja. When he denied the charge, they forcibly opened his car door and produced a black polythene packet claiming it contained contraband. 

"Settle the Matter"

Soni told the police that he was a legitimate businessman and had no knowledge of the packet. One of the men reportedly identified himself as Brijesh Yadav and pointed to another as Head Constable Razzaq Khan from Madla police station. They allegedly forced Soni into his own car and took him to a nearby liquor shop.

There, they were joined by Constable Ramsharan Ahirwar in uniform. The three men allegedly took the trader behind the shop and held him captive for nearly two hours, pressuring him to pay money to avoid a false ganja trafficking case.

Rs 1 Lakh Demand Reduced to Rs 95,000

According to the complaint, Constable Ramsharan demanded Rs 1 lakh to "settle the matter." After much pleading, the amount was reduced to Rs 95,000. Soni paid Rs 45,000 in cash and transferred the remaining Rs 50,000 through online modes using different numbers and QR codes. He was released only after the payment and returned to Rewa the same day.

Soni filed a written complaint with Panna Superintendent of Police Nivedita Naidu on May 15, detailing the entire sequence of events.

Action Against Accused Officers

Following the complaint, SP Nivedita Naidu ordered a prompt inquiry. The investigation reportedly confirmed the involvement of TI Rachna Patel, Head Constable Razzaq Khan, Constable Ramsharan, and Brijesh Yadav in the alleged conspiracy and extortion.

On Tuesday, the three police personnel were attached to police lines. An FIR has now been registered at Madla police station against all four accused on charges of criminal conspiracy and extortion. The case is being investigated by ASI Vrindavan Prajapati.

Political Pressure for Strict Action

Local Congress leaders had also raised the issue and demanded strict action against the accused policemen. The swift departmental action and registration of the FIR came after the inquiry found merit in the trader’s allegations.

This is not the first time Panna police have faced scrutiny over alleged high-handedness. The district, known for its diamond mines and tourist attractions like Panna Tiger Reserve, has occasionally reported complaints of misconduct by law enforcement agencies.

Impact on Public Trust

The case has triggered concern among local residents and traders travelling through the area. Many have expressed worry over the misuse of power and the tactic of planting contraband to extort money from innocent citizens.

Senior police officials maintained that the matter is being taken seriously and that a thorough probe is underway. “Strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty,” sources in the police department said.

The accused policemen and Brijesh Yadav are currently absconding. Police teams have been dispatched to raid possible hideouts.

Background of the Victim

Mohanlal Soni runs a jewellery business and is known in his local area as a legitimate trader with no prior criminal record. His decision to directly approach the Superintendent of Police reflects the seriousness with which he treated the incident.

As the investigation progresses, the case is being closely watched by both civil society and police administration circles in Madhya Pradesh. It once again highlights the challenges of maintaining accountability within the law enforcement system.

Police have appealed to the public to come forward with any additional information related to the case.

Next Steps in Investigation

The Panna police have formed special teams to trace the four accused. Forensic examination of the transaction details and verification of call records are expected to strengthen the case. The inquiry officer has been asked to submit a detailed report at the earliest.

This incident has once again brought into focus the need for stronger internal checks and community oversight on police functioning in smaller districts.

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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Bhind Ganja Smuggling Ring Runs Like a Company; B-Team Takes Over After A-Team Bust

Police in Bhind have uncovered the second layer of a well-organised inter-state ganja smuggling network operating on a corporate-style model with clearly defined roles, profit-sharing, and even a dedicated fund for legal aid. In a joint operation by Barohi and Dehat police stations, two members of the so-called B-Team were arrested late on Tuesday with 138 kg of ganja valued at around ₹28 lakh.

The arrests have once again highlighted how the gang quickly adapted after its first team was dismantled in December last year. Officials say the network treated smuggling like a business enterprise, complete with managers, financiers, storekeepers, and suppliers.

A-Team Dismantled in December Raid

The story began in December when Barohi police, led by Station House Officer Atul Bhadauria, intercepted a suspicious Hyundai car near Madanpura Dam. The driver tried to flee through a kutcha road but was chased and caught. A search yielded 22.2 kg of ganja.

Those arrested included Rajendra Baghel of BTI Road, Bhind, Pankaj Shukla of Barohi, and Rajkumar Sharma from Surpura. Pankaj Shukla was believed to be running the operation using a structured “company model”. Another key member, Majnu alias Shivam Sharma from Aryanagar, managed to escape initially but was later arrested after a few months.

B-Team Activated to Keep Business Running

With the main operatives behind bars, Majnu, who had been on the run, reportedly activated the backup B-Team to ensure the trade did not stop. Sources familiar with the investigation said he brought in new people and assigned specific responsibilities to minimise risk and maintain continuity.

Anup Sharma alias Anna was roped in as the financier. According to preliminary questioning, the financier was to get nearly 50 percent of the profits and was also responsible for arranging bail if any member was caught. A separate budget was maintained from each consignment for legal expenses, including efforts to secure bail for those already in jail.

Rishabh Chauhan was tasked with arranging vehicles, while others handled storage and new supplier contacts. The gang shifted to greater caution this time, using luxury cars in a convoy system and code words such as “maal” or “jadi-buti” during communication.

New Hideout and Sophisticated Tactics

Investigators revealed that the B-Team set up a fresh storage point in Kumhroua area. Abhishek Tiwari of Aryanagar was given charge of the “godown”. He allegedly rented a relative’s house for ₹10,000 per month and, with help from Anshul Bouhre, used it to store the contraband.

The gang sourced ganja from Odisha, where it was procured at around ₹5,000 per kg. It was then sold to agents in Bhind and nearby areas at up to ₹20,000 per kg, reaching ₹25,000 in retail. Police said suppliers from Odisha sometimes ensured safe delivery up to the Chhattisgarh border.

To avoid detection on the road, the gang used a “follow car” system. One vehicle with 3-4 members would travel 2-3 km ahead to scout for police presence and relay information to the carrier vehicle behind it.

Latest Seizure and Ongoing Hunt

In the latest action, police arrested Abhishek Tiwari and Anshul Bouhre. The 138 kg ganja recovered is believed to be part of a larger 200 kg consignment, of which around 40 kg had already been sold. Interrogation has provided fresh leads on the wider network.

Barohi SHO Atul Bhadauria confirmed that the arrested duo belongs to the B-Team of the same gang busted earlier. “Their questioning has opened several links of the network. We have identified four members of the B-Team so far,” he said.

Those still absconding include financier Anup Sharma alias Anna, Mangu, and Rishabh Chauhan. Police teams are actively searching for them.

Impact on Local Drug Trade

This structured operation allowed the gang to run the illegal trade with minimal disruption even after major arrests. By dividing roles and creating contingency plans, including financial provisions for legal battles, the network tried to function like any legitimate business with risk management.

Local authorities noted that such organised models make enforcement challenging as new layers quickly replace arrested members. The seizures, however, have dealt a significant blow to the supply chain in the region.

Police said further investigation is underway to trace the money trail, more hideouts, and upstream suppliers in Odisha. Cases under the NDPS Act have been registered, and efforts are on to dismantle the remaining links of both A and B teams.

The development comes at a time when authorities in Madhya Pradesh and neighbouring states continue to step up vigil against the inflow of ganja from eastern regions.