Is K'taka Minister Priyank Kharge's aide involved in drug peddling charges in Maharashtra?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, an aide to Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has been arrested in Maharashtra for drug peddling. What are the implications for Kharge and the Congress party? Stay tuned as we delve deeper into this developing story.
Key Takeaways
- Lingaraj Kanni, an aide to Priyank Kharge, was arrested for drug peddling.
- He was found with narcotics and a significant amount of Codeine-based syrup.
- A case under NDPS has been filed.
- Kanni's political background includes ties to both Congress and BJP.
- The case ties into a broader issue of political accountability and harassment allegations.
Bengaluru, July 14 (NationPress) - Authorities in Maharashtra have apprehended an individual closely linked to Karnataka's Minister for RDPR, IT and BT, Priyank Kharge, over allegations of drug trafficking.
The suspect has been named as Lingaraj Kanni, who serves as the president of the Kalaburagi South Block Congress Unit. The arrest occurred in Thane, Maharashtra, made by local police.
As per police reports, Kanni was detained in Thane city while allegedly in the act of distributing narcotic items. He was also discovered with a significant quantity of a prohibited Codeine-based syrup, totaling 120 bottles.
A case has been filed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at the Bazarpeth Police Station.
Details are still emerging as the investigation proceeds.
In addition to his ties to Priyank Kharge, Kanni is recognized as a close confidant of Congress MLA Allamaprabhu Patil.
Kanni's political journey includes joining the Congress party during the 2023 Karnataka State Assembly elections, previously being associated with the BJP.
Previously, an FIR was lodged by the Station Bazar police in Kalaburgi concerning the tragic suicide of a contractor, Sachin, who reportedly faced harassment from associates of Minister Priyank Kharge in December 2024.
Sachin, hailing from Bidar, took his own life on December 26, 2024, allegedly following threats and extortion attempts from Raju Kapnoor, a former Congress corporator and close associate of Minister Kharge.
The FIR was filed on December 28, 2024, naming Kapnoor and others after protests from the BJP.
Sachin's suicide note, spanning seven pages, implicated Raju Kapnoor in the harassment. A case was initiated by the Bidar Railway Police Station based on a complaint from Sachin’s sister, Savita.
The opposition leader in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, has accused Minister Priyank Kharge of misusing his authority, calling for his resignation and arrest in relation to the contractor's suicide case. He has further stated that the Kharge family is operating a “republic” in their home district of Kalaburgi.
Point of View
It is crucial to maintain an unbiased perspective and focus on facts to ensure a fair discourse surrounding this issue.
NationPress
14/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in connection with drug peddling?
Lingaraj Kanni, an aide to Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, was arrested by Maharashtra Police on drug peddling charges.
What substances were found with Lingaraj Kanni?
Kanni was found in possession of narcotic substances and 120 bottles of a banned Codeine-based syrup.
What legal actions have been taken?
A case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at the Bazarpeth Police Station.
What is the connection to the contractor's suicide case?
The suicide case involves allegations of harassment by associates of Minister Priyank Kharge, which has led to further scrutiny of his political connections.
What are the political implications of this incident?
This incident could have serious ramifications for the Congress party and Minister Priyank Kharge, potentially affecting public trust and political stability.
