In a significant breakthrough, Jamshedpur police on Monday arrested three individuals for allegedly operating a racket involving the sale of intoxicating drugs in Mango. The accused were identified as Umesh Gupta, owner of Maa Vaibhav Medical Stores and Laxmi Auto Parts on Dimna Road, his elder brother Rajkumar Gupta, owner of Laxmi Medical Stores and their associate Sonu Pandey.
The arrests led to the seizure of intoxicating tablets, syrups, and injections worth over ₹25 lakhs from Umesh Gupta’s residence in Hariom Nagar and a godown linked to his auto parts shop.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kishore Kaushal revealed that the arrest was the result of a detailed investigation into the rising incidents of crime in the city.
"After analyzing the frequent criminal activities in Jamshedpur, we identified the consumption of intoxicants—either liquor or drugs—as a common factor. This led us to establish a special task force aimed at dismantling the drug network. The operation ultimately uncovered the involvement of individuals like Umesh Gupta," said Kaushal during a press briefing at the Ulidih Thana Outpost in Mango.
The investigation found that Umesh Gupta had recently procured a large consignment of intoxicating drugs from Calcutta. Acting on this information, the police raided Maa Vaibhav Medical Stores, where Gupta was taken into custody. Subsequent searches at his house and the godown of the auto parts shop resulted in the recovery of the illicit drugs.
"The accused failed to produce any documentation for the purchase of such a massive quantity of drugs," Kaushal added.
Further inquiries revealed that the drugs were being sold without prescriptions, violating medical regulations. Police discovered that Umesh Gupta had been distributing the drugs to customers as well as supplying them to other medical stores in Jamshedpur.
Rajkumar Gupta and Sonu Pandey were also found to be involved in the illegal drug trade, either directly or indirectly, assisting in the distribution and sale of the substances.
The three accused were presented before a judicial magistrate on Monday afternoon and subsequently sent to Ghaghidih Central Jail.
SSP Kaushal emphasized the police's commitment to eradicating the sale of intoxicating drugs, which have been fueling criminal activities in the city. "This arrest is only the beginning. We will intensify our efforts to dismantle similar rackets and ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens," he assured.
The police also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to the sale of drugs or intoxicants. Local authorities are planning awareness drives to educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse and encourage community participation in combating this menace.
“ This major crackdown is expected to have a significant impact on the illegal drug trade in Jamshedpur, sending a strong message against such unlawful activities,” said a social worker.
