A major case of illegal opium cultivation has surfaced in Durg district of Chhattisgarh, where authorities discovered opium being grown under the cover of maize crops along the banks of the Shivnath River. The incident has triggered strong political reactions in the state.
Opium Found Hidden in Maize Fields
The illegal cultivation was detected in Samoda village after police and administrative officials received a tip-off that opium was being grown secretly between rows of maize plants. During a field inspection, officials found opium crops spread across approximately 1.5 to 2 acres, though preliminary information from the investigation suggests the cultivation may extend across 5 to 6 acres of land.
Photos and videos from the site quickly circulated on social media, drawing widespread attention and prompting immediate action by authorities.
BJP Leader Vinayak Tamrakar Suspended
Following allegations that the land belonged to a local leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the party announced the suspension of leader Vinayak Tamrakar.
The party stated that the decision was taken because the allegations and related developments had damaged the party’s public image.
Bhupesh Baghel Visits Site
Former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Bhupesh Baghel visited the site where the illegal crop was discovered. He described the issue as serious and alleged that such activities were being carried out with the protection of BJP leaders.
Baghel claimed the land could also be used for producing other narcotic substances and said the matter would be raised in the state legislative assembly. He further alleged that influential political figures were protecting the illegal activity and warned that the issue reflected a growing drug problem in the region.
Tamrakar Denies Allegations
Vinayak Tamrakar has strongly denied the accusations. He stated that the land in question does not belong to him and that he is being targeted for political reasons. According to him, the land had been given to someone else for use, and he does not know the individuals involved in the cultivation.
Police Investigation Underway
The raid was conducted under the leadership of Additional Superintendent of Police Manishankar Chandra. During the operation, police detained one suspect from the site and began destroying the illegal crop.
Authorities are now investigating whether a larger network is involved in the cultivation and distribution of the narcotic crop. Police officials said such open cultivation of opium is rare in Chhattisgarh, which is why the case is being treated with high priority.
Strict Laws Against Opium Cultivation
In India, cultivating opium without government authorization is illegal under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The law imposes strict penalties, including 10 to 20 years of imprisonment and heavy fines, for individuals found guilty of illegal opium cultivation or related activities.
Officials say the investigation is ongoing, and further action will depend on the findings regarding who owns the land and who was responsible for planting the crop.