Daijiworld Media Network - Jodhpur
Jodhpur, Apr 22: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed an FIR against three officials of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) for alleged wrongful confinement, criminal conspiracy, and demand of undue advantage in connection with a controversial 2022 opium recovery case that had sparked a turf war between Rajasthan Police and the NCB.
The CBI's Jodhpur unit registered the FIR on Monday against NCB officers Khiya Ram, Bhagwan Sahay Meena, and Bhagirath Jat, following a preliminary enquiry ordered by the Rajasthan High Court. The FIR invokes sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 342 (wrongful confinement), and 384 (extortion) of the Indian Penal Code, along with section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The case stems from the seizure of 5 kg of opium in 2022 and subsequent allegations of extortion and corruption from both agencies. The controversy began with a complaint from contractor Kuldeep Panwar and his brother, who alleged that NCB officers demanded a Rs 30 lac bribe and accepted Rs 5 lac to avoid implicating them in the case. Rajasthan Police registered an FIR in June 2022 at the Choupasni Housing Board police station.
In retaliation, the NCB accused the state police of shielding the real suspect, Sumer Singh, who was allegedly preparing to deliver 8-10 kg of opium in Jodhpur.
During its enquiry, the CBI found that no official FIR had been registered by the NCB in connection with the opium seizure, raising further concerns about procedural lapses and abuse of power.
The Rajasthan High Court, in its order dated July 26, 2024, directed the CBI to conduct the enquiry and later allowed both parties the right to seek legal remedies based on the findings. “Both NCB and State Police officials, who are accused in the cross cases shall have their right to seek remedy in accordance with law,” Justice Arun Monga had noted in his order issued on September 7, 2024.
The development marks a significant escalation in the rare clash between two premier enforcement agencies, now under scrutiny for alleged misconduct in the handling of the narcotics case.