Four Tripura police personnel, including an Inspector and woman Sub-Inspector, were arrested in Khowai district for allegedly tampering with seized Eskuf cough syrup and selling narcotics in the open market. Crime Branch launched an extensive probe into the high-profile NDPS case.
A major controversy has shaken the police administration in Tripura after four police personnel, including an Inspector and a woman Sub-Inspector, were arrested in Khowai district over allegations of tampering with seized narcotic substances and illegally diverting them into the open market.
The accused personnel have been identified as Inspector Ajit Debbarma, Sub-Inspectors Rajendra Reang and Sampa Das, and Assistant Sub-Inspector (Special Branch) Sachindra Debbarma. All four officers were posted in Khowai district at the time of the incident. Inspector Ajit Debbarma was serving as the second Officer-in-Charge of Teliamura police station.
According to official sources, the incident originated from a major anti-narcotics operation conducted on May 20. During a routine patrol in the Maharanipur area under Teliamura subdivision, a police team led by Sub-Inspector Sampa Das intercepted a vehicle suspected of transporting illegal narcotic substances.
During the operation, police recovered a huge consignment of banned codeine-based Eskuf cough syrup, a substance frequently abused as a narcotic drug in several parts of India as well as neighbouring Bangladesh. Sources stated that the vehicle was carrying more than 6,000 bottles of Eskuf cough syrup, each containing 100 ml.
However, serious allegations later surfaced regarding the handling of the seized consignment. Investigators reportedly found evidence suggesting that a substantial portion of the narcotics stock was removed from the General Duty room of Teliamura police station before the formal seizure documentation and official recording process had been completed.
The allegations gained further credibility after CCTV footage from the police station reportedly showed suspicious movement of the seized materials. According to investigators, around 1,381 bottles of Eskuf cough syrup were allegedly diverted from the original consignment and later sold in the open market.
Officials stated that the missing quantity falls under the category of “commercial quantity” as defined under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, making the offence particularly serious. Eskuf cough syrup contains Codeine Phosphate and Triprolidine Hydrochloride, both of which are often misused for narcotic purposes.
Police sources further alleged that the seizure officer failed to properly account for the entire recovered consignment during the official seizure process, raising suspicion of deliberate manipulation of evidence.
Soon after the irregularities came to light, the Additional Superintendent of Police registered criminal cases at Teliamura police station against the four accused personnel. The cases were filed under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with sections of the NDPS Act, 1985.
Khowai Superintendent of Police B Jagadishwar Reddy subsequently constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a detailed inquiry into the allegations. Following preliminary findings, all four officials were suspended from service before being formally arrested under various legal provisions.
Given the seriousness and sensitivity of the allegations, Tripura Police headquarters later transferred the investigation to the state Crime Branch for a more comprehensive and impartial probe.
On Monday, the investigating officer of the Crime Branch produced the four accused before the Khowai District and Sessions Court and sought seven days of police remand for custodial interrogation. After hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defence sides and examining the case records, District and Sessions Judge Manabendra Debbarma granted five days of police remand.
The accused officials are scheduled to be produced before the court again on May 30.
Officials associated with the investigation stated that Crime Branch officers are now attempting to determine the full extent of the alleged narcotics diversion network. Investigators are also examining whether additional individuals, including outsiders or other officials, may have been involved in the operation.
Director General of Police Anurag reportedly took serious note of the allegations and immediately ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha is also understood to have expressed concern and directed authorities to ensure strict action against anyone found guilty.
Tripura Police reiterated its “zero-tolerance” policy against corruption, misconduct, and criminal activities involving police personnel. Senior officials maintained that the investigation is being carried out impartially and on priority basis to ensure accountability within the force.
Officials stated that criminal cases were registered immediately following directions from the DGP after evidence of seizure tampering emerged from Teliamura police station.
| Also Read: Three Teliamura Policemen Suspended Over Illegal Eskuf Drug Sale |
The latest development comes close on the heels of another controversy involving police personnel in Tripura. Last week, four persons, including a police official, were arrested and three others suspended after a viral video surfaced allegedly showing a woman displaying a huge amount of cash at her residence in Dhalai district.
The back-to-back incidents have triggered widespread concern regarding internal accountability and discipline within sections of the state police force, while authorities continue efforts to restore public confidence through strict legal action and transparent investigation procedures.
