Is Karnataka Becoming a Hub for Drug Mafia Under Congress Government?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka is facing escalating drug-related issues.
- Allegations of police collusion with drug peddlers are emerging.
- The youth's safety is at risk due to increasing drug trade.
- Calls for immediate government action are being made.
- This situation highlights broader governance challenges in the state.
Bengaluru/New Delhi, Sep 15 (NationPress) Union Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi stated on Monday that Karnataka is increasingly becoming a nexus for drug mafia under the leadership of the Congress-led state government.
In a press conference in Delhi, Union Minister Joshi criticized the Congress administration, saying, "Cases related to drugs and ganja are escalating in the state. Consequently, the precious lives of our youth are being jeopardized."
He questioned, "Is the Congress-led government, which is engaged in appeasement politics, oblivious to this alarming situation?"
Union Minister Joshi further remarked, "It has come to light that the drug trade is being conducted openly across numerous regions in the state. Yet, the state government, which should be enforcing strict measures, remains silent."
He also cited reports indicating that police officials are collaborating with drug dealers in these cases.
Joshi asserted that this situation reflects the Congress government’s negligence and corruption, leading the youth astray.
"The mismanagement by the Congress-led government in Karnataka has exceeded all limits. A state renowned for its culture is now morphing into a sanctuary for criminals," he remarked.
He called upon the Karnataka government to implement stringent measures against the drug and ganja mafia.
The Union Minister accused the Congress government of operating a sham administration where public safety, security, and the rule of law have entirely collapsed.
In a disturbing incident, 11 police officers from two police stations, including a Police Inspector, were suspended pending an inquiry into allegations of colluding with a drug trafficking network in Bengaluru last week.
According to police sources, the accused officials were working closely with a group of peddlers distributing drugs used as sedatives within the western division.
The suspended officers include a Police Inspector, Head Constable, Assistant Sub-Inspector, and multiple Police Constables associated with Chamarajpet and JJ Nagar police stations.
These officers reportedly extorted protection money from the peddlers monthly in exchange for allowing them to sell drugs after dilution.
The operation was uncovered when RR Nagar police apprehended a group of six peddlers, including Salman, Nayaz Ullah, Nayaz Khan, and Taher Patel, on August 22.
The suspects were caught in the act of selling narcotic tablets to customers, primarily students and young employees.
Police seized 1,000 tablets from the suspects.
During the investigation, it was revealed that the accused maintained regular contact with officers from Chamarajpet and JJ Nagar police stations.
The extent of the nexus was unveiled when the suspects' mobile devices were scrutinized.
It was discovered that the drug peddlers had direct communication with the implicated officers, exchanging audio messages and financial transaction details.
Investigative officers also found evidence of social gatherings involving the police and the accused.
Further investigation indicated that police were actively receiving protection money and socializing with the peddlers.
The implicated officers allegedly collected between Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 2 lakh from the peddlers.