Sambalpur: Excise Department Seizes 140 Grams of Brown Sugar in Sambalpur; One Arrested, Main Accused Still at Large
Sambalpur’s Drug Problem
Sambalpur: Sambalpur city is struggling with a rising drug issue. Alongside other illegal substances, brown sugar has become a significant problem. Recently, the excise department seized a brown sugar racket, catching an accused person who goes by the name Kitanu or S. Tahir. However, the mastermind behind the operation, known as Bhujali or Mustafa, is still at large.
Recent Operation Details
According to Asit Mallik, Deputy Superintendent of the Excise Department, two individuals were carrying brown sugar from Kolkata to Sambalpur on the Ispat Express. The department was waiting to catch them. However, as the train slowed near Sambalpur gate, the suspects jumped off and escaped. Though officials tried to catch them that night, they were unsuccessful. Finally, the next morning, Kitanu was arrested while roaming in the Sunapali area, leading to the seizure of 140 grams of brown sugar, estimated to be worth Rs. 14 lakhs.
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Challenges in Arresting the Mastermind
Although there have been several seizures of brown sugar in Sunapali, the main trafficker remains active. This individual has employed youth to transport brown sugar from Kolkata. Despite law enforcement being aware of these operations, there are allegations that the main accused is being intentionally overlooked. This raises questions about why the authorities have not arrested Mustafa. Some believe that officials either avoid deeper investigations or continue profiting from letting the kingpin operate freely.
Targeting Young People
Young carriers transport brown sugar from Kolkata at a low cost. They divide it into 50–60 small packets of 5 grams each. These packets are sold for Rs. 300 – Rs. 400 in areas around Sambalpur and Burla. The main targets are college students and youth, making them a key market for this drug.
Unanswered Questions: Why Is the Mastermind Still Free?
Even though some of the accused have been arrested, why has the kingpin remained free? Is the investigation comprehensive, or are officials only seizing small amounts without pursuing the mastermind? These questions and allegations raise doubts about the excise department’s commitment, as it continues to remain silent on the matter.
