1.323 Kg Ganja Seized Earlier; Supplier Held After Week-Long Manhunt Under NDPS Act in Rajnandgaon
Published on: February 22, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
Police in Rajnandgaon have arrested an absconding आरोपी allegedly involved in supplying cannabis for illegal sale in the city, officials said on Sunday. The action was carried out by the Basantpur Police Station team as part of a special campaign against narcotics trafficking.
The case stems from a February 12 operation when the main accused, Asif Khan, was apprehended based on a tip-off. Police had seized 1.323 kilograms of cannabis, valued at approximately ₹13,000, from his possession and registered Crime No. 71/2026 under Section 20(b) of the NDPS Act. During interrogation, Khan allegedly disclosed that the contraband was supplied to him by Khilesh Tumreki, also known as Chhotu Lambu.
Following this revelation, police launched a search operation to locate Tumreki, who had been absconding since the date of the incident. Acting under the direction of Ankita Sharma, Superintendent of Police, with guidance from Additional SP Kirtan Rathore and City SP Vaishali Jain, a special team was formed to conduct raids at suspected hideouts.
Also read- https://www.btnewsindia.com/final-electoral-roll-published-in-rajnandgaon-after-special-intensive-revision-drive/ https://www.btnewsindia.com/bjp-governments-liquor-policy-worst-in-the-country-says-congress-district-chief-vipin-yadav/
On February 22, the accused was taken into custody and questioned, during which he allegedly confessed to his involvement. He was formally arrested and produced before a court, which remanded him to judicial custody.
Police identified the accused as Khilesh Tumreki alias Chhotu Lambu (29), a resident of Rani Sagar area under Basantpur police station limits. Officials said he has prior cases registered against him, including assault-related offences.
The police reiterated that action against individuals involved in illegal drug trafficking and sale will continue in the district. The operation was led by Station House Officer Inspector Aman Sahu, along with Sub-Inspector Manmohan Sahu, Head Constable Deepak Jaiswal, Constables Kush Baghel, Praveen Meshram, Ashish Manikpuri, and other staff members.
