Patna Police Bust Major Drug Network; Constable Among Key Suspects
In a significant crackdown on the illegal drug trade, authorities in Patna have apprehended two individuals and seized a massive consignment of smack valued at approximately ₹25 crore. The investigation has taken a startling turn with the revelation that a serving police constable is allegedly the mastermind behind the entire operation. The accused officer, identified as Rishikesh, has been on the run for months, prompting a statewide manhunt.
Arrests and Seizure in Alamganj
The breakthrough came on March 27, following a tip-off about an impending drug transaction in the Alamganj police station area. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, a police team raided a flat located within the Hope Royal Green Apartment Society, situated east of the Gandhi Setu. Upon seeing the police, two young men present at the scene attempted to flee but were quickly overpowered and detained.
The suspects were identified as Jitendra Kumar, a resident of Samastipur, and Nitish Kumar, a resident of Jehanabad. A thorough search of the premises led to the recovery of 1.681 kilograms of processed smack, ₹2.15 lakh in cash, and seven mobile phones. Additionally, a tempo found parked outside the apartment complex was also taken into custody by the police.
Packaging Hub Uncovered in Khemnichak
During interrogation, the accused provided crucial information that led investigators to a rented house in the Khemnichak area under the Ramkrishnanagar police station. Acting on Jitendra’s disclosure, the police conducted a raid on the property, which was rented by an individual named Himanshu Prabhakar. The search yielded a substantial haul, including a plastic bag containing approximately 16 kilograms of raw smack, known locally as “cut,” which included both stone and powder forms. In addition, officers found 3.5 kilograms of a refined substance referred to as “power.” The recovery also included three small digital weighing scales, along with a pistol, a crude firearm, a magazine, and ammunition, suggesting the operation was well-equipped.
Constable Rishikesh: The Alleged Kingpin
Patna’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kartikeya Kumar Sharma, confirmed that the street value of the confiscated smack is estimated to be around ₹25 crore. He identified the fugitive constable, Rishikesh, as the primary operator of this illicit business. Rishikesh was reportedly earning an income many times his official salary through this trade.
Authorities have been searching for Rishikesh since July, when he was transferred from Gaya. He was expected to report to the Bhagalpur Police Lines for his new posting but never arrived. His disappearance triggered an internal inquiry, and the recent arrests have now connected him directly to the drug trafficking network.
During the course of the investigation, police also recovered a cheque worth ₹17 lakh issued in the name of the absconding constable. This discovery has further cemented his alleged role in the syndicate.
Ongoing Investigation and Manhunt
The police are continuing their intensive search for Constable Rishikesh. Officials suspect that the network may involve more individuals beyond the two arrested suspects and the fugitive officer. The investigation is now focused on identifying other members of the cartel and tracing the broader supply chain that facilitated the movement of such a large quantity of narcotics. The recovery of weapons alongside the drugs also raises concerns about the potential for violence associated with this trafficking operation. The police have stated that a comprehensive investigation is underway to dismantle the entire network and bring all those responsible to justice.
