CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal /Mumbai / Thane:Bazarpeth Police, Thane have arrested Lingraj Kanni, the Kalaburagi South Block Congress President and a close associate of Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge, on charges of drug trafficking. Authorities apprehended him while allegedly selling narcotic substances in Thane and seized 120 bottles of banned codeine syrup from his possession .
The Kalyan Police registered a First Information Report under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Kanni, who previously held ties with BJP, was suspended from his Congress post shortly after the arrest Facebook+9India Today+9The Hans India+9.
BJP has raised the incident as a political issue, accusing the Congress of being entangled with drug traffickers. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya and spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticized Priyank Kharge’s alleged proximity to Kanni and urged stricter accountability Lokmat Times+4The Hans India+4Inshorts – Stay Informed+4.
This arrest follows earlier allegations against aides of Minister Priyank Kharge. In December 2024, a close associate faced accusations related to the suicide of a contractor in Bidar, who alleged extortion attempts Inshorts – Stay Informed+7Suryaa+7Republic World+7.
Key Facts:
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Accused: Lingraj Kanni, Congress leader and aide of Priyank Kharge
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Location: Arrested by Thane / Kalyan police; FIR registered at Bazarpeth/Kalyan Police Station
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Seized: 120 bottles of codeine syrup
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Charges: NDPS Act, 1985
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Political Fallout: BJP demands accountability; Congress suspends Kanni
Investigations continue as police examine the extent of trafficking and possible political connections. Further updates awaited from the Maharashtra and Karnataka units of police.
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