Political temperature soars in MP after minister’s brother arrested in drug case

 

 

 

Ahead of ministers’ performance report on completion of Dr Mohan Yadav Government’s two years, arrest of State Urban Development Minister’s sibling and relative in a drug case stirred political cauldron in the State, with the Opposition Congress claiming that the main accused is brother of a State minister, pointed towards deteriorating law and order situation in the State other side the Minister distanced herself from the accused. Anil Bagri was taken into custody on Monday, following a police raid that allegedly uncovered 46 kg of cannabis hidden in rice sacks.

 

The seizure, valued at nearly Rs 9.23 lakh, came from a tin shed adjacent to the residence of alleged distributor Pankaj Singh Baghel in Rampur Baghelan area. A case was registered under NDPS Act. Minister Pratima Bagri said, “Police are doing their job and criminals who have done wrong, whether they are someone’s relative or not, cannot be spared. Police administration is carrying out its duties and all decisions will be made accordingly.

 

The strictest action will be taken.” The arrest followed a tip-off that led investigators to what appears to be a broader smuggling operation. Under questioning, Baghel implicated both Anil Bagri and another suspect, Shailendra Singh, as his suppliers according to police. State Congress and its various wings launched a series of attacks on the Minister and the State Government over alleged involvement of Minister’s family members. State Congress President Jitu Patwari alleged that now, BJP Minister Pratima Bagri’s brother-in-law and brother have been arrested for selling a large consignment of marijuana.

 

Madhya Pradesh alone in the entire country aims to generate revenue of Rs 17,000 crore from liquor sales and is surpassing even Punjab in illegal drug trade. Patwari demanded, Minister Pratima Bagri should resign immediately. It seems that opposition is not going to give up the issue soon. NSUI staged a strong protest against growing drug network in the State and the Government’s silence following the arrest of Pratima Bagri’s brother. NSUI alleged that despite the arrest of Minister Pratima Bagri’s brother with approximately 50 kg of marijuana, the Government is refraining from taking action, which clearly demonstrates that the drug network operates under Government’s protection in Madhya Pradesh.

 

NSUI State President Ashutosh Chouksey questioned the Chief Minister, “If approximately 50 kg of marijuana was found in the possession of Minister Pratima Bagri’s brother, will Chief Minister Mohan Yadav accept Minister Pratima Bagri’s resignation from the ministerial post? Will he also send a JCB to her house? The State Government is attempting to suppress the entire matter.”

 

Chaukse said he wanted to go to the Chief Minister’s residence with a garland of marijuana so he could directly ask the Chief Minister, “When drug networks are operating from the homes of his ministers, it’s clear that the Madhya Pradesh Government is protecting the drug racket operating in the State.” During the protest, police arrested approximately 50 NSUI workers, including the State President and Vice-President. NSUI warned that if the Government does not take action against the entire drug network and Minister Pratima Bagri does not resign, the agitation will be intensified across the State.