DESPITE regular Intel of terrorist modules operating in various parts of the country and busting of sleeper cells belonging to dreaded ultras groups, the Maharashtra AntiTerrorism Squad (ATS), the special police force formed to combat modern-day terrorism, has been assigned by top-ranked officials for investigating marijuana (Ganja) smuggling cases. The decision has created ripples in the police force as the decision can potentially hamper anti-terrorism work of the elite force. Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) (L&O) Rajender Singh issued the circular to this effect on December 29, 2020 on behalf of DGP Subodh Jaiswal.

 

As per the circular, 12 ATS squads of nine police units have been tasked to conduct investigation in Ganja smuggling cases and ensure arrest of the racketeers. ADGP Singh also asked officers of concerned police units to immediately transfer documents of the cases to ATS officials. All these offences were registered last year. In two cases, Jalna police and Pune police have seized 4.2 kg and 6.2 kg from the accused. Now, these cases will be investigated by ATS to find terrorism connection in which such small quantity of Ganja was seized. The ATS was established to investigate cases related to terrorism, their preparation, activities and sleeper cells. This is not an easy task as it needs dedicated efforts and skills of gathering Intelligence.

 

Malegaon bomb blast, German bakery bomb blast, 2011 Mumbai bombing and other important cases were investigated by Maharashtra ATS so far. Sources claimed that the investigation of Ganja cases was transferred to ATS after it was brought to the notice of the DGP Jaiswal that the ATS officials were not doing any work. An official said that it was found that terrorism was sponsored by racketeers running drug networks. If the cases were transferred to ATS then it must be connected to terrorist organisations. If there is no link of terrorism, then it should be properly investigated by AntiNarcotics Cell or local police.

 

The officials should be careful while taking such decision as it is purely overlapping of work of two agencies, he said. ADG Rajender Singh informed ‘The Hitavada’ that ATS was a specialist agency having good investigation capabilities. “The force will detect forward linkage of the cases,” he said and added that a case of seizure of hashish from Pune will also be investigated by ATS.