Three Women Arrested in Connection with Violent Attack on NCB Team During Patna Drug Raid
In a significant development, three women were arrested on Sunday in Patna for their alleged involvement in a violent assault on a Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) team. The incident occurred earlier this month during a raid at Chinna Kothi, located under the Buddha Colony police station area.
Details of the Arrested Individuals
The arrested women have been identified as Madhu Devi, Khushi Devi, and Meena Devi, all residents of Chinna Kothi. Notably, Madhu Devi has a prior criminal record, having previously served jail time in a prohibition-related case during the lockdown period. All three accused were produced before a court on Monday and have been remanded to judicial custody.
Police Investigation and Ongoing Efforts
According to ASP (law and order)-I Krishna Murari Prasad, approximately 30 people have been identified so far in connection with the March 17 incident. In this attack, a five-member anti-narcotics team was assaulted by a mob. Prasad stated, “Four accused, including a woman, were arrested earlier. Three more arrests were made on Sunday. Efforts are underway to trace the remaining accused using CCTV footage and inputs from local residents.”
Buddha Colony SHO Pallav emphasized the ongoing crackdown, asserting, “No miscreant will be spared. So far, seven accused have been arrested in this case.” This statement underscores the police's commitment to bringing all perpetrators to justice.
Background of the March 17 Incident
The violent episode unfolded on March 17 when a five-member NCB team, acting on specific intelligence about drug trafficking, conducted a raid at Chinna Kothi. The officers were in plain clothes during the operation. During the raid, they caught an accused, identified as Akash Dhangar, red-handed while he was selling packets of the narcotic drug ‘smack’.
As the team attempted to take Akash into custody, miscreants present at the spot launched a violent attack, pelting stones and bricks at the officers. In the ensuing chaos, some individuals tried to rescue Akash by snatching the smack packets and cash from him and throwing them into a nearby drain. Despite the aggression, the NCB team managed to recover some evidence and arrested Akash with one smack packet and approximately Rs 6,500 in cash.
This incident highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating drug trafficking and the risks involved in such operations. The arrests mark a step forward in the investigation, but authorities continue to pursue other suspects to ensure comprehensive justice.
