Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Sep 14: In a shocking revelation, police personnel tasked with enforcing anti-drug campaigns have themselves been found colluding with peddlers in Bengaluru. An inspector and 10 other staff members have been suspended for their alleged involvement with the drug mafia.

The suspended officers include T Manjanna, inspector of Chamarajpet police station, along with 10 constables from Chamarajpet and JJ Nagar stations. They are accused of providing protection to drug peddlers in exchange for monthly commissions ranging from Rs 1 to 1.5 lac.

The issue surfaced after RR Nagar police recently busted a peddling racket involving Tydol tablets and arrested six accused — Salman alias Papa, Salman alias Putat, Niyaz, Nawaz, and Reshma. Police seized Rs 4 lac in cash and 1,000 Tydol tablets worth another Rs 4 lac.

During further investigation, it was revealed that the accused had police backing. Evidence showed that the officers not only supported the peddlers but also gave them ideas on how to carry out their trade.

Following a detailed probe by ACP Chandan, DCP Girish recommended action, leading to the suspension of 11 personnel by city police commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh. Authorities suspect that officers from other stations may also be involved, and further investigation is underway.