Somni Police nab absconding accused linked to NDPS case involving illegal transportation of cannabis from Odisha to Maharashtra.
Published on: March 31, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
In a significant breakthrough against narcotics trafficking, Somni Police in Rajnandgaon district arrested an absconding accused involved in an inter-state ganja smuggling case registered under the NDPS Act. The accused had been evading arrest for several months following earlier police action in the case.
Smuggling Network Busted Earlier
According to police officials, the case dates back to July 21, 2025, when authorities received confidential information about illegal transportation of ganja concealed inside a Tata truck bearing registration number WB 23 E 4218. The consignment was allegedly being transported from Odisha to Maharashtra.
Acting promptly on the tip-off, police intercepted the vehicle and arrested two accused — Bharat Kumar Singh, a resident of Chhapra in Bihar, and Puran Lal Ladia alias Raju, originally from Narsinghpur and currently residing in Sambalpur, Odisha. Both were produced before the court and subsequently sent to judicial custody.
Absconding Accused Traced and Arrested
During investigation, another accused identified as Pawan Ratre alias Imran, a resident of Baloda in Janjgir-Champa district, was found to be involved in the smuggling operation. He had been absconding since the initial arrests.
After sustained efforts and intelligence-based tracking, police finally detained him for questioning. During interrogation, the accused reportedly confessed to his involvement in the crime. Following due legal procedures, he was formally arrested and produced before the court, which remanded him to judicial custody.
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Operation Conducted Under Senior Supervision
The arrest operation was carried out under the direction of Superintendent of Police Ankita Sharma, with guidance from Additional Superintendent of Police Kirtan Rathore and supervision of City Superintendent of Police Alexander Kiro.
The action was executed by the Somni Police team led by Station House Officer Upendra Shah, highlighting continued efforts by Rajnandgaon Police to curb inter-state narcotics trafficking.
