Why is the Youth Congress Targeting the Railway Minister Over Drug Issues?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a bold move, the Tripura Youth Congress has launched a letter campaign against Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, protesting the alarming issue of drug transportation via goods trains. This initiative seeks to raise awareness and demand accountability as they aim to send over 10,000 letters across the state. The fight against drug trafficking intensifies!
Key Takeaways
- The Youth Congress is actively campaigning against drug trafficking in Tripura.
- Over 10,000 letters are planned to be sent to the Railway Minister.
- The operation led to the recovery of 1,07,800 bottles of banned cough syrup.
- The value of seized drugs is estimated at Rs 5.4 crore.
- Collaboration between various forces is yielding significant results in combating drug trafficking.
Agartala, Nov 2 (NationPress) The youth faction of the opposition Congress kicked off a widespread letter initiative directed at Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday, voicing their concerns over the illicit transportation of narcotics via a goods train from Delhi to Tripura.
The Tripura Youth Congress is aiming to dispatch over 10,000 letters in the upcoming days. Previously, law enforcement authorities confiscated 1,07,800 bottles of the prohibited Eskuf cough syrup on October 17, which arrived at the Jirania railway station in West Tripura from Delhi.
Neel Kamal Saha, President of the Tripura Youth Congress, stated that the campaign initiated from Agartala on Sunday and is set to extend to various blocks and localities throughout the state.
“We have commenced sending bulk letters to the Railway Minister from Agartala. Similar letters will be sent from each block and locality in the following days,” Saha informed the press.
In their correspondence, the Youth Congress accused certain leaders of the ruling BJP of colluding with unscrupulous traders and drug traffickers to transform Tripura into a drug-trafficking hub, allegedly utilizing railway services for these illegal operations.
“These drug dealers are not typical traders. They are prominent figures linked with some ruling BJP leaders. The police seem reluctant to arrest these influential individuals,” Saha claimed, calling for the apprehension of all parties involved.
In related news, the Tripura Police Crime Branch (TPCB) apprehended Rajib Dasgupta (42) on October 31, recognized as one of the primary masterminds behind the drug haul valued at Rs 5.4 crore seized from the Delhi-Tripura goods train.
A senior law enforcement official mentioned that Dasgupta is a pivotal figure in a significant drug trafficking network spanning the Northeastern states.
“Another key drug dealer linked to this case is currently on the run. TPCB teams are actively conducting operations to capture the fugitive,” the official stated.
According to the official, a coordinated search by security forces on the goods train at Jirania railway station, based on actionable intelligence, resulted in the recovery of the banned Eskuf cough syrup. The syrup contains Codeine Phosphate and Triprolidine Hydrochloride, substances frequently misused as narcotics in India, Bangladesh, and beyond.
The illegal market value of the seized drugs is estimated to be around Rs 5.4 crore. This joint effort, which involved the Tripura Police, Assam Rifles, Government Railway Police (GRP), Special Task Force (STF), and the Customs Department, is being hailed as a significant achievement in the state's ongoing battle against drug trafficking.
The goods train, carrying chicken feed, rice, and other products, arrived at Jirania railway station from Delhi on October 16. The search operation began that evening and extended into the early hours of October 17, uncovering the illegal shipment concealed within two wagons alongside legitimate cargo.
The confiscated items have been turned over to the Customs Department for further investigation and legal proceedings. Authorities suspect that the banned Eskuf cough syrup was intended for smuggling into Bangladesh via covert routes.
Point of View
The Youth Congress's initiative highlights a critical issue of drug trafficking, emphasizing the need for accountability in governance. The allegations of collusion between political leaders and drug peddlers should prompt serious investigations to protect the integrity of public services and ensure safety in society. As the nation battles the menace of drugs, this situation calls for transparency and decisive action.
NationPress
02/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main aim of the Youth Congress's letter campaign?
The primary aim of the Youth Congress's letter campaign is to protest against the transportation of narcotics via goods trains and to hold the Railway Minister accountable for the alleged involvement of certain leaders in drug trafficking.
How many letters does the Youth Congress plan to send?
The Youth Congress plans to send over 10,000 letters to the Railway Minister in the coming days.
What substances were seized from the goods train?
Authorities seized banned Eskuf cough syrup, which contains Codeine Phosphate and Triprolidine Hydrochloride, often misused as narcotics.
What is the estimated value of the seized drugs?
The estimated value of the seized drugs is around Rs 5.4 crore in the illegal market.
What actions are being taken against drug trafficking in Tripura?
The Tripura Police and other security forces have been actively conducting operations to arrest those involved in drug trafficking and have successfully apprehended key players in the network.
