Delhi Police Nabs Key Marijuana Supplier from Odisha's Naxal Region

Major Drug Supplier Arrested

New Delhi: Authorities in Delhi have apprehended a suspect from a remote, Naxal-influenced hilly area in Odisha for allegedly supplying significant amounts of marijuana to an interstate drug network operating within the Delhi-NCR region, as confirmed by an official on Wednesday.

The individual, identified as Bhagirathi Padhan, 27, hails from Kandhamal district and is suspected to be a primary supplier for the syndicate that was previously dismantled in March, resulting in the confiscation of 120 kilograms of marijuana. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Harsh Indora stated, “Padhan managed a sophisticated supply chain for illicit cannabis sourced from the dense forests of Phulbani, where he also supervised illegal cultivation.”

Following leads and technical surveillance, law enforcement tracked Padhan to the Gochhapada police station area in Kandhamal, Odisha. The DCP noted, “The challenging terrain and Naxal presence in the region complicated the operation. After persistent efforts and local collaboration, we successfully arrested Padhan in a forested location.”

According to police reports, Padhan played a crucial role in the distribution network, which transported marijuana, locally known as ‘Kanchan’, across various regions in India. His name surfaced during the investigation of Harsh Pratap Singh and Ishan Singh, who were arrested earlier this year in connection with the 120-kilogram marijuana seizure. The officer added, “Bhagirathi Padhan has a history with law enforcement, having been previously charged under the NDPS Act in 2017 in Odisha for similar offenses.” The DCP mentioned that efforts are ongoing to uncover additional connections within the network and further disrupt the supply chain.