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.

A speeding bus rammed into a motorcycle on National Highway 552 in Madhya Pradesh’s Bhind district on Saturday, killing three young men and leaving one critically injured. According to officials, the bus dragged the bike for nearly five kilometres after the collision, with sparks seen rising from the road as the vehicle continued moving.

Crash on NH-552

The Bhind bus accident took place around 1.30 pm near Umri town on National Highway 552. Police said four youths riding a motorcycle were hit by a speeding private bus while they were travelling towards Mehda village to attend a wedding.

The impact threw the riders onto the road. Witnesses said the bus did not stop after the collision and continued dragging the mangled motorcycle for several kilometres, triggering panic among motorists on the highway.

Three Killed, One Hurt

Three of the four youths died in the crash. Police identified the deceased as Ashutosh Baghel, 21, a resident of Morena, Ramkesh Baghel, 19, from Khairoli in Bhind, and Mohit Baghel, 20, also from Morena.

The fourth victim, Amit Baghel, 17, a resident of Mehda in Bhind district, sustained critical injuries. He was first taken to the district hospital in Bhind and later referred to Gwalior after his condition worsened.

Bus Dragged Bike

A video of the incident, now circulating locally, shows a car driver chasing the bus and repeatedly honking in an attempt to stop it. Despite multiple warnings from motorists, the bus driver allegedly continued driving.

According to eyewitness accounts, the bus dragged the motorcycle from Pura to Umri, a stretch of nearly five kilometres. Sparks were seen under the vehicle as the damaged bike scraped along the road.

Driver Flees Spot

Once the bus finally stopped, panic broke out among passengers. Several passengers reportedly jumped out and moved away in fear as the scale of the accident became clear.

Police said the driver used the chaos to flee the scene. He remains absconding. Officers have launched a search operation and are examining the bus route, ownership details and local CCTV footage to trace him.

Hospital Delay Raises Questions

The injured teenager’s transfer to Gwalior was delayed after doctors at Bhind district hospital found no ventilator support available, according to local officials. He was referred to Gwalior in critical condition.

However, relatives and local sources alleged that the victim remained at the hospital for nearly an hour because an ambulance was not immediately available. The delay has raised serious questions over emergency response and trauma care in the district, adding a public interest dimension to the case in this India News Update.

Police Begin Probe

Umri police reached the spot soon after receiving information and began rescue operations. The bodies were sent for post-mortem and traffic on the highway was briefly disrupted.

Umri police station in-charge Shiv Pratap Singh Rajawat said the matter is being investigated from all angles. He said police are identifying the bus operator, gathering witness statements and working to arrest the driver at the earliest.

Questions Over Safety

The Bhind bus accident has once again brought focus on reckless driving and emergency medical preparedness on state highways. Road safety experts have repeatedly flagged overspeeding by private buses on inter-district routes, particularly on stretches with weak enforcement.

In a startling revelation that has ignited concerns over public school integrity, police in Bhind district, Madhya Pradesh, have seized bags of wheat intended for mid-day meals from CM Rise School. The action, triggered by a neighbor's video complaint, points to potential Bhind school ration irregularity involving the school's principal. As investigations unfold, this incident underscores ongoing challenges in India's midday meal programs amid rising demands for transparency in education funding.

The event, reported just hours ago on March 10, 2026, highlights the vulnerability of government schemes meant to nourish underprivileged students. With mid-day meals serving over 120 million children nationwide, any lapse erodes trust and nutritional security—especially timely as budget allocations for 2026-27 emphasize fortified school feeding.

The Incident Unfolds: From Complaint to Seizure

Eyewitness accounts paint a vivid picture of the Monday afternoon drama in Gohad town. Wheat sacks, staples for the school's mid-day meals, were being loaded onto an e-rickshaw outside CM Rise School premises. A vigilant local resident, suspecting foul play, captured the moment on video and alerted authorities.

- Key Timeline:

  - Afternoon Load-Up: Rations moved from school storage to e-rickshaw, reportedly heading off-site.

  - Video Alert: Neighbor films and complains, flagging possible sale intentions.

  - Police Response: Officers arrive swiftly, impound  the grains and vehicle, storing them at Gohad police station.

This swift intervention prevented potential black-market diversion, but it raises red flags about oversight in ration handling. Experts  child nutrition specialist from AIIMS Bhopal, warn that such Bhind school ration irregularities could deprive 200-300 students daily of essential calories, exacerbating malnutrition rates already at 28% in Madhya Pradesh per NFHS-5 data.

Education Department's Swift Probe: Seeking Accountability

The ripple effects reached the Block Education Officer's office by Tuesday morning. A formal notice was served to the principal, demanding a detailed explanation within 48 hours. Gohad Block Education Officer Vijay Sharma confirmed to reporters: "We're treating this mid-day meal scam allegation seriously. Preliminary talks with the principal cite 'storage security issues' as the reason for off-site transport—for cleaning and grinding wheat. But suspicions of sale persist until proven otherwise."

- Principal's Defense: Inadequate school security prompted sending rations with a peon for processing.

- Department Stance: Full inquiry underway; action pending report, potentially including suspension or FIR.

This probe aligns with a national trend: The CAG audit last year flagged 15% leakage in mid-day meal supplies across states. For Bhind, a district with 40% rural poverty, such lapses hit hardest, delaying SDG goals on zero hunger.

Why This Matters Now: Broader Implications for School Nutrition

As India pushes 'Poshan Abhiyaan 2.0' in 2026, incidents like this Bhind school ration irregularity demand urgent reforms. They expose gaps in monitoring— from digital tracking apps to community audits—that could prevent future mid-day meal scams.

Actionable Insights for Stakeholders:

- For Parents: Demand monthly ration audits via school apps; report suspicions to toll-free helplines like 14404.

- For Educators: Implement CCTV in storage areas; train staff on scheme guidelines.

- Expert Take: "Transparent procurement and third-party verification are key," advises policy analyst Meera Singh from ORF. "This could save 10-20% of rations annually."

Conclusion: A Call for Safeguards

While the full truth awaits the education department probe, this CM Rise School Bhind episode serves as a wake-up call. Strengthening accountability isn't just bureaucratic—it's about fueling tomorrow's generation. As investigations progress, Bhind residents and beyond watch closely, hoping for justice that restores faith in public education. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.