Former Bihar minister’s son among two held with heroin in Katihar drug bust

Patna, June 19 (IANS) In a major crackdown on narcotics trafficking, police in the Phalka police station of Bihar’s Katihar arrested two alleged drug smugglers and seized 102.79 gm of heroin (smack) during a vehicle-checking operation.

Among those arrested is Sunil Kumar, who identified himself as the son of former Bihar Minister and former MP Ramji Das Rishi, police said on Thursday.

Police said that Sunil Kumar is currently employed as a Rozgar Sevak in Forbesganj.

The second accused, Khushilal Mandal, is a resident of Purnea district and has previously been jailed in connection with narcotics smuggling cases.

According to the police, a vehicle inspection drive was being conducted on the Nisundra-Gedabari road under the supervision of Phalka Station House Officer (SHO) Prahlad Yadav, along with Sub-Inspector Amar Deep Singh and the Block Development Officer.

At around 7:50 a.m., officers attempted to stop a yellow motorcycle that reportedly did not display a registration number.

Upon noticing the police, the rider allegedly tried to flee, prompting officers to surround and detain both occupants.

A search conducted in the presence of officials led to the recovery of 102.79 gm of smack from a bag allegedly carried by Sunil Kumar.

Police also seized two mobile phones and the motorcycle used by the accused.

The arrested individuals were identified as Sunil Kumar, a resident of Gokhlapur under Narpatganj police station in Araria district, and Khushilal Mandal (24), a resident of Bhawanipur in Purnea district.

Police said that the seized narcotics are worth several lakhs of rupees in the illegal market.

An FIR has been registered under the relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Investigators are now working to determine the source of the heroin consignment, its intended destination, and whether other members of a larger trafficking network are involved.

SHO Prahlad Yadav said the district police would continue their campaign against drug trafficking and related criminal activities.

“Both accused have been sent to judicial custody while further investigation is underway,” he added.

–IANS

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