ED conducts multi-state raids in cough syrup drugs case; nabs 2 NCB accused
New Delhi (PTI): The Enforcement Directorate on Monday said it has seized cash and jewellery worth Rs 2 crore and apprehended two accused wanted in a drugs case by the NCB during recent searches conducted in some northern states and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The raids were undertaken on February 13 in Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana in the case related to Raees Ahmed Bhat and others who allegedly indulged in "unauthorised sales and diversion of Codeine-Based Cough Syrup (CBCS) and associated illicit monetary gains."
The money laundering probe stems from a complaint filed by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) into a case of CBCS trafficking which is widely abused as an intoxicant by drug addicts.
Cocrex, a cough syrup brand, was procured "unauthorisedly" from its manufacturer Vidit Healthcare in Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, whose managing partner is Neeraj Bhatia, a resident of Panipat in Haryana.
The syrup was "diverted" and sold via "shell" entities like S S Industries, Faridabad (owner Sumesh Sareen) and N K Pharmaceuticals, Kansal Pharmaceuticals, Kansal Industries and others "controlled by" Niket Kansal and his family members, residents of Delhi along with their "accomplice" Garv Bhambhari (lives in Faridabad), the ED alleged in a statement.
The agency claimed its probe found that between 2018-24, Kansal Industries, Kansal Pharmaceuticals, N K Pharmaceuticals, Nouveta Pharma and S S Industry were procuring the cough syrup from Vidit Healthcare and distributed them in an "unauthorised" manner.
"The licenses of many of such entities were cancelled by drug controlling authorities. Between 2019-25, around 55 lakh bottles of CBCS were procured by N K Pharmaceuticals and other such entities against payment of more than Rs 20 crore to Vidit Healthcare.
"The same were suspected to have been diverted in the open market, generating huge amounts of proceeds of crime, with major part as cash deposits and other related bank transactions, into such entities," the ED said.
The accused individuals and the companies could not be immediately contacted for their response to these charges made against them by the ED.
The agency said "unexplained" cash of Rs 40.62 lakh, jewellery worth Rs 1.61 crore and documentary and digital "evidence" were seized during the searches.
Two accused -- Garv Bhambhari and Mamta Kansal (mother of Niket Kansal) -- who are "absconding" in the NCB case were also traced and the information was shared with the anti-narcotics agency, it said.
These categories of cough syrups, including one with the brand name Phensedyl, are seized in huge numbers by the Border Security Force (BSF) and other agencies while they are being smuggled to Bangladesh from India.
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Caste census will form basis for future policy decision, says CM Siddaramaiah
Mysuru (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said that the ongoing caste census would form the basis for future policy decisions, asserting that the exercise was crucial to advancing social justice in the state.
Addressing a gathering at the Siddarameshwara Jayanti celebrations here, he said caste enumeration was being carried out for the first time since 1931 and would be followed by deliberations once the report is submitted.
"At present, a caste census (Jaati Sameekshe) is underway. After the report comes, we will discuss it and take necessary decisions," Siddaramaiah said.
He underlined the government’s commitment to equality, stating, "We are committed to social justice. No one should face injustice. Even if not 100 per cent, we will strive to ensure 99 per cent justice."
Referring to measures aimed at addressing intra-caste disparities, the chief minister said the government had already implemented internal reservation based on revised classifications.
"We have gone beyond the Nagamohan Das report and implemented internal reservation… now it has been revised to 5.25 per cent, 5.25 per cent, and 4.5 per cent. This has been approved by the Cabinet," he said.
Siddaramaiah said the broader objective was to ensure equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, while reiterating that policy interventions would be guided by constitutional principles.
"Our objective is equal share and equal life for all," he said.
He also emphasised the role of education in eliminating inequalities, particularly among marginalised communities, and said empowerment was essential to dismantle entrenched caste hierarchies.
"Only when people gain such empowerment can caste divisions be eradicated. Education is essential for this," he added.
The CM said the government would examine demands raised by various communities and take decisions based on feasibility, while ensuring that benefits reached all sections without discrimination.
