Rachakonda: The joint operation by the SOT team from Maheshwaram Zone and Choutuppal Police of Rachakonda led to the dismantling of an interstate drug syndicate. Two drug peddlers were apprehended, identified as Sandeep Anil Indrekar and Vishal Kandugadgi, along with the seizure of 200 kilograms of Ganja, a Hyundai Creta vehicle (bearing registration number MH-14-KN-4393), two mobile phones, and a Maharashtra Police Peak Cap, with a total estimated worth of Rs.70 Lakhs. A case has been registered under the NDPS Act at Choutuppal Police Station.
Details of Drug Peddlers:
Sandeep Anil Indrekar – Age: 37 years, Occupation: Business, Residence: Kandali (V), Narayagaon (M), Pune district, Maharashtra State.
Vishal Kandugadgi- Age: 36 years, Occupation: Driver, Residence: Kandali (V), Narayagaon (M), Pune district, Maharashtra State.
Laxman, a resident of Pappuluru, Malkangiri district, Odisha, was not available for examination.
Brief Background:
Sandeep Anil Indrekar, originally from Pune, Maharashtra, was facing financial difficulties and decided to engage in Ganja transportation to make easy money. He enlisted the help of his childhood friend, Vishal Kadugadgi, who lived in the same area. Vishal agreed to accompany Sandeep in smuggling Ganja, with a promise of Rs. 25,000 per trip.
Sandeep also established contact with Laxman from Malkangiri, Odisha, who was a Ganja seller through a mutual acquaintance. Initially, Sandeep sold small packets of Ganja to local consumers. However, due to insufficient income, he decided to buy larger quantities for greater profits. To conceal the contraband Ganja, he purchased a high-end Hyundai Creta vehicle.
During transportation to Pune, Maharashtra, Sandeep displayed a Maharashtra Police Sub-Inspector’s Peak Cap on the vehicle’s dashboard, impersonating a police officer in an attempt to avoid scrutiny at toll gates and checkpoints.
On the morning of October 13, 2023, acting on a tip-off, the SOT team from Maheshwaram Zone and Choutuppal Police intercepted the Hyundai Creta with registration number MH-14-KN-4393 at Panthangi Check post. They apprehended Sandeep Anil Indrekar and Vishal Kandugadgi, along with the contraband Ganja, and seized the items in accordance with the cover panchanama.
It was later discovered that the same accused had transported 80 kilograms of dry Ganja to Pune, Maharashtra, approximately two months prior.
These arrests were made under the direct supervision of Mr. D S Chauhan, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Rachakonda, and with the guidance of Mr. K. Muralidhar, DCP, SOT, LB Nagar-Maheshwaram.
Our Citizen Reporter
Bharat Reddy
Telangana
