In possibly the largest seizure of the banned narcotic substance in the Capital so far, nearly 400 kg of ganja valued at Rs.2.5 crore in the underground market was recovered from the possession of a known criminal during routine patrolling in South-West Delhi on Saturday morning, the police said.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (South-West) R.A. Sanjeev said while 22-year-old Pankaj has been arrested, his father Balkesh (54) managed to evade the police team chasing the duo.
According to Mr. Sanjeev, the police received a tip-off early on Saturday about a consignment of narcotics and illegal alcohol at Balkesh’s residence. Two personnel from Palam police station, Constables Jhabar Mal and Yograj, who were on patrolling duty in the area, were asked to stay alert. This, Mr. Sanjeev said, was because a raid at Balkesh’s residence on Friday evening had led to recovery of a consignment of illegal liquor.
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While patrolling, the constables saw a transport auto parked in front of the house and two persons unloading sacks from it.
“The constables went to check the contents of the sacks and discovered they contained nearly 400 kg of ganja, one of the largest quantities recovered this year in Delhi,” Mr. Sanjeev said.
During the search operation, the two men engaged in unloading the sacks from the vehicle attempted to escape. One of them escaped on a bike towards Bagdola picket. However, he slipped and fell, only to be caught by constable Yograj. He was later identified as Pankaj.
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Balkesh, who has at least 11 previous criminal involvements, including dacoity, bootlegging and assault, managed to flee. Upon interrogation, Pankaj revealed he had procured the ganja for sale in Uttar Pradesh and the adjoining States.
“The source of the consignment and the place of its origin is still being ascertained,” Mr. Sanjeev added.
Pankaj has been arrested, while his father Balkesh managed to evade
the police