Pimpri Chinchwad: Three Persons Arrested For Targeting Youth With Ganja Sales Near Educational Institutions

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande

Pimpri Chinchwad, 20th September 2024: A trio from Dhule has been arrested for selling ganja (marijuana) in the Pimpri Chinchwad area. They targeted locations frequented by youth, including several educational institutions and Hinjawadi Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park. There is a rising trend of addiction among young people, as college students and others are consuming drugs for ‘amusement’. The Anti-Narcotic Cell of the Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissionerate (PCPC) confiscated 33 kg of ganja from the trio.

The arrested individuals are Surendra Kumar Santosh Tripathi (36, resident of Mhalunge, originally from Uttar Pradesh), Ashok Gulabchand Pawara (19, resident of Dhule), and Pawan Sanu Pawara (19, resident of Dhule). A case has been registered under the relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act) of 1985.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sandeep Doiphode, the Anti-Narcotic Cell deployed teams throughout the PCPC jurisdiction to prevent drug trafficking and address the issue at its root. While Assistant Police Inspector Vikram Gaikwad and his team were patrolling the Hinjawadi area, Police Constables Nikhil Shete and Mayur Wadkar noticed three individuals acting suspiciously. They confronted the suspects, and upon investigation, confiscated 16 kg 104 g of ganja worth ₹9,50,200. The suspects were taken to Hinjawadi Police Station to register a case.

During further investigation, an additional 17 kg 009 g of ganja worth ₹8,50,450 was discovered. The accused intended to sell ganja near Hinjawadi IT Park and targeted educational institutions to attract young clients. The suspects have been remanded to police custody until 24th September. In total, 33 kg 113 g of ganja, along with two mobile phones and one two-wheeler, all valued at ₹18,00,650, were confiscated.

The operation was conducted under the guidance of Pimpri Chinchwad Commissioner of Police Vinoy Kumar Choubey, Joint Commissioner of Police Dr Shashikant Mahavarkar, Additional Commissioner of Police Vasant Pardeshi, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sandeep Doiphode, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) Dr Vishal Hire, and Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime 1) Balasaheb Kopner.

The team, led by Senior Police Inspector Santosh Patil, included Assistant Police Inspectors Sachin Kadam and Vikram Gaikwad, Police Sub Inspector Dnyaneshwar Dalvi, and Police Constables Mayur Wadkar, Nikhil Shete, Pradeep Shelar, Kishore Pardeshi, Shilpa Kamble, Nikhil Warpe, Rajendra Bambale, Ganesh Karpe, Sadanand Rudrakshe, Randhir Mane, Kapilesh Igwe, Govind Doke, Pandurang Phunde, and Nagesh Mali, all from the Anti-Narcotic Cell.