Pune Police Investigate Arrested Constable's Internal Links in Major Drug Siphoning Case
In a significant development, the Pune Rural police are conducting a thorough investigation into the suspected connections of an arrested constable within the police machinery, following the seizure of a large quantity of Alprazolam tranquilizers. The case involves the siphoning and illegal sale of drugs that were originally confiscated in police actions, raising serious concerns about internal corruption and oversight failures.
Initial Misidentification and Subsequent Probe
A press statement issued earlier by the Pune Rural police had mistakenly identified the seized substance as Mephedrone. However, subsequent investigations revealed that the drug in question was actually Alprazolam, a prescription anti-anxiety medication with high potential for abuse. This correction came after a joint probe was launched by the Local Crime Branch of Pune Rural and the Shirur police station, based on concrete intelligence inputs received on January 17, 2026.
Arrests and Seizures
The investigation led to the arrest of five individuals, including a 39-year-old constable from the Ahilyanagar police force. The constable, identified as Shyamsundar Gujar, was arrested on Wednesday after evidence confirmed his involvement in the drug sale. Gujar, who was posted with the Local Crime Branch of Ahilyanagar police, had been responsible for inventory management of items seized in criminal cases, a position that allegedly facilitated the siphoning.
Police have seized a total of 10.7 kilograms of crystalline Alprazolam, which was allegedly siphoned from a larger consignment seized by Ahilyanagar police in May last year. The initial seizure occurred on January 18, when 1.052 kilograms of the drug were recovered from automobile garage owner Shadab Shaikh, aged 41. The remaining quantity was found in the possession of the arrested constable.
Investigation into Police Linkages
An official involved in the probe, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, "We are investigating how he managed to siphon the seized drugs despite all the checks. We have confirmed that the arrested cop was in the clerical wing handling seized items. We are probing his upward and downward linkages in the drug racket and his suspected connections within the police machinery. It is highly likely that others from within the force were involved."
Sandeep Singh Gill, Superintendent of Police for Pune Rural, emphasized the sensitivity of the case, saying, "We are probing all possible angles and seeking court permission to methodically investigate how the drugs were siphoned from the system. This is a thorough and sensitive probe."
Court Proceedings and Additional Arrests
Gujar was produced before a court in Shirur, which remanded him to police custody until January 26. Along with Gujar and Shaikh, three other suspects have been arrested: Dnyandev Shinde (37), Rushikesh Chittar (35), and Mahesh Gaikwad (27). Somnath Gharge, Superintendent of Police of Ahilyanagar, confirmed that strict action has been initiated against the arrested constable.
Background on Alprazolam and Previous Seizures
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine drug used to treat anxiety but is commonly misused for its sedative effects. In India, it is regulated under the NDPS Act when possessed or trafficked without authorization. This case follows a major drug action in May last year, when Ahilyanagar police seized over 69 kilograms of Alprazolam crystal and more than 338 kilograms of raw materials used in its manufacturing, based on intelligence about smuggling from Shrirampur town.
The ongoing investigation highlights critical issues in drug enforcement and internal police accountability, as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the racket and prevent future breaches.
