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Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Saturday made sharp allegations against the Telangana government over its handling of drug-related cases, alleging that investigations are carried out only during festivals and New Year celebrations as a token exercise rather than as part of a sustained crackdown.
Questioning the seriousness of the Revanth Reddy-led government, Bandi Sanjay asked why no action has been taken on the drug case investigation conducted earlier under senior IPS officer Akun Sabharwal during the previous KCR regime. He said the probe had revealed the involvement of several influential individuals, including film personalities, a release said. Making startling claims, the Union Minister alleged that during interrogations, accused persons had stated that members of former Chief Minister KCR's family had links with drug peddlers and had consumed drugs along with them. He further claimed that these statements were backed by audio and video recordings prepared by the investigation team. According to Bandi Sanjay, KCR, fearing political damage to his family, diluted the case and abruptly removed Akun Sabharwal from the investigation. He alleged that all evidence collected by Sabharwal's team -including reports, audio-video recordings and statements- was taken into custody by then Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar, after which the case was deliberately weakened, as per the release. He claimed that the case was evidence was neither handed over to subsequent investigation teams nor produced before the court. As per the release, raising serious questions, Bandi Sanjay demanded to know what happened to the seized evidence and why no further investigation has been conducted. He called for immediate custodial questioning of Somesh Kumar, stating that only then would the truth behind the drug case emerge. The Union Minister also questioned the legal authority and functioning of the "EAGLE" team operating under the Chief Minister. While acknowledging that the team has capable officers, he alleged that some members have been compromised by money and are colluding with drug peddlers. He further questioned why drug consumers identified during recent raids have not been arrested. Demanding firm action, Bandi Sanjay urged the State government to hand over drug investigations to experienced officers like Akun Sabharwal if it is genuinely committed to eradicating the drug menace. He asserted that superficial registration of cases with logical conclusions will not solve the problem. (ANI)
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