New Delhi: The Delhi Police have recently apprehended a key figure in an inter-state marijuana syndicate, Bhagirathi Padhan, from a remote, Naxal-affected region of Odisha. This arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the Delhi-NCR region.
Padhan, a resident of the Kandhamal district, is alleged to be the primary supplier of marijuana to a syndicate that was initially disrupted in March with the confiscation of 120 kg of the substance.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Harsh Indora, Padhan managed an extensive supply chain of cannabis from the dense, Naxal-dominated forests of Phulbani, also known as Kandhamal. His operation included overseeing illegal cultivation within the region. The arrest was executed following meticulous investigation and technical surveillance, which led the police to Padhan’s location within the jurisdiction of the Gochhapada police station in Kandhamal, Odisha. The challenging terrain and prevailing Naxal activity in the area complicated the operation, necessitating sustained efforts and cooperation with local authorities.
🚨 INTERSTATE DRUG SYNDICATE BUSTED 🚨
— Crime Branch Delhi Police (@CrimeBranchDP) May 28, 2025
💥 Major breakthrough by WR-I, Crime Branch, Delhi
🌲 Kingpin arrested from dense, forest area of Odisha
📦 120 Kg Ganja recovered earlier
💪 Crackdown on narcotics continues!
👏 Kudos to :
Insp. Sandeep Yadav
ACP Ajay Kumar
DCP Sh. Harsh… pic.twitter.com/AbC6ZxTk02
Padhan’s role within the network involved routing marijuana, locally known as ‘Kanchan’, to various locations across India. His involvement was uncovered during the investigation of Harsh Pratap Singh and Ishan Singh, who were previously arrested in connection with the 120 kg marijuana seizure. Law enforcement records indicate that Padhan has a prior history of drug-related offenses, having been booked under the NDPS Act in Odisha in 2017 for similar crimes.
The Delhi Police are currently focused on identifying and dismantling the remaining components of the supply chain. This arrest represents a crucial step in disrupting the flow of illegal narcotics into the Delhi-NCR region and underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to tackling inter-state drug trafficking networks. Further investigations are underway to apprehend other individuals involved and dismantle the entire syndicate.
