From ‘Pappu Seth’ to MD drug accused:Bhilwara probe exposes alleged links between smugglers and police

The arrest of a key accused in the recently busted MD drug manufacturing unit in Rajasthan’s Bhilwara has revived questions about the alleged nexus between narcotics traffickers and police personnel in parts of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Investigators have identified Virendra alias Pappu, a resident of Dodiyamina village in Madhya Pradesh’s Mandsaur district, as one of the individuals linked to the case. More than 10 criminal cases are registered against him in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, including three under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Pappu had drawn attention last year after a video of his birthday celebration went viral. The footage showed two assistant sub-inspectors from Mandsaur district allegedly feeding him cake, while several police personnel were also present at the gathering. He kept track of every police movement According to local sources, Pappu’s proximity to certain police personnel in the Mandsaur region was widely known. Several officers allegedly referred to him as “Pappu Seth”, and he was said to have maintained close ties with personnel posted at the Nai Abadi police station. Sources claim these connections helped him obtain advance information about police movements and enforcement actions. Despite facing multiple NDPS cases, he allegedly continued to function as an informer for some police personnel. Investigators suspect he used such information to move narcotics consignments outside the district. He allegedly received details about checking points, blockades and routes considered safe for transportation. Active in smuggling for 15 years, expert in ‘settlement’ Police sources claim Pappu had been active in the narcotics trade for nearly 15 years. Over time, he allegedly built a network that extended beyond smuggling and into local dispute resolution. According to investigators, his contacts were often used in matters involving assault cases, illegal businesses and other criminal disputes. Sources allege he facilitated compromises and arranged interventions through his network. Following his arrest in the Bhilwara case, police have begun examining his local contacts and alleged network of influence. Investigators believe that after enforcement intensified in the Mandsaur-Neemuch region, he shifted part of his operations to Bhilwara. They suspect he continued to access raw materials through contacts among opium cultivators and local intermediaries. Long list of police-smuggler collusion allegations Pappu’s case is not the first to raise questions about alleged links between law enforcement personnel and narcotics traffickers in the region. A review of previous cases reveals a pattern of allegations that have repeatedly surfaced over the years. Understand this collusion through these 4 cases Case 1: Viral audio sparks fresh questions An alleged audio recording, currently being discussed within police circles, has added to the controversy. In the nearly 26-minute clip, a person identifying himself as Rauf Khan is allegedly heard speaking with a smuggler. The conversation reportedly includes references to 10 quintals of doda chura, financial transactions and police officers. Another voice in the recording allegedly advises the smuggler against operating locally and instead suggests building a supply network stretching from Manipur to Delhi. The authenticity of the audio has not been officially verified. However, its contents have raised questions about the alleged relationship between smugglers and police personnel. Case 2: Smuggler seen cutting cake with police gun A video involving notorious smuggler Jaykumar Sabnani alias Babu Sindhi from Neemuch had triggered controversy in 2021. After his arrest in a black seed smuggling case involving 250 quintals, a video surfaced showing him cutting a birthday cake with a 12-bore gun. The footage also showed then station house officer Narendra Singh Thakur and constable Pankaj Kumawat among those present. Investigators later found that the firearm used in the celebration belonged to the officer. The incident led to departmental action. Constable Pankaj Kumawat and another policeman were first suspended and later dismissed from service. The Central Bureau of Narcotics also initiated action in the matter. Case 3: Smuggler alleges police protection In 2023, another controversy emerged in Neemuch after Rajasthan Police arrested Kamalsingh Rana, a wanted smuggler carrying a reward of Rs 70,000. During questioning, Rana allegedly claimed that some policemen informed him about checking drives, surveillance operations and safe smuggling routes. He further alleged that certain police personnel helped manage properties acquired through illegal earnings. Following these claims, then Neemuch Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar Tolani ordered action against six police personnel, ranging from line attachment to suspension. Case 4: Police uniform recovered from Ratlam drug factory Earlier this year, police uncovered an MD drug manufacturing unit in Ratlam’s Chiklana area and arrested 16 accused. During the raid, investigators recovered a large quantity of narcotics, manufacturing equipment, police uniforms and an identity card bearing the name of a sub-inspector. The card was reportedly linked to Rauf Khan, who has served in Mandsaur, Neemuch and Ratlam and is currently posted in CID Bhopal. Investigators also recovered an army identity card issued in the name of the son of the factory’s alleged kingpin, Dilawar Khan. The document was later found to be fake. A report on the case has been forwarded to police headquarters for further action. Police claim strict action against erring personnel Ratlam Range DIG Nimish Agarwal said police are continuing their crackdown on drug traffickers and that action is taken whenever the involvement of police personnel comes to light. According to Agarwal, disciplinary measures, including suspension, withholding of increments and dismissal from service, are initiated after departmental inquiries. He said a report in the Chiklana case has already been sent to Bhopal and further action will be taken at the appropriate level. He added that police investigate every complaint received from the public and act wherever evidence is found.