Bengaluru: In a shocking revelation, 11 police personnel, including an inspector, have been suspended for allegedly safeguarding and promoting drug peddlers in the city. The action comes as part of the police department’s pledge to make Bengaluru a drug-free city, with senior officers emphasising a “clean-up within the force” before tackling external challenges.

Nexus between cops and drug peddlers

The rot within the system came to light after RR Nagar police busted a six-member gang led by notorious peddler Salman alias Paapa, a resident of Chamarajpet. Salman, a habitual offender with multiple previous arrests, was found stocking nearly 1,000 Tydol tablets at his residence. These prescription opioid painkillers, smuggled from Mumbai, were being sold to youngsters — particularly students — at Rs 250–300 per tablet, while costing the gang only about Rs 40 each.

While the tablets are not officially listed as narcotics, their misuse provides a high comparable to substances like ganja, making them popular among youngsters.

During interrogation, Salman shocked investigators by claiming he enjoyed the backing of local police. Initially dismissed as bluster, the claim gained credibility when phone records revealed that Salman and his associates were in constant touch with police personnel from Chamarajpet and JJ Nagar police stations.

The officers under suspension

The following personnel have been suspended pending inquiry:

  • Chamarajpet police station: Inspector T Manjanna, head constables Ramesh and Shivaraj, constables Madhusoodhan, Prasanna, Shankar Belagali, and Anand.

  • JJ Nagar police station: Assistant sub-inspector Kumar, constables Anand, Basavanagouda, and Mahesh.

    • Investigations revealed that these officers not only turned a blind eye to Salman’s operations but actively colluded with him. They allegedly partied together, collected monthly protection money, offered legal support when gang members were caught, and even leaked information about planned raids.

    Crackdown led by clean officers

    Recognising the scale of the scandal, Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) S Girish constituted a special team led by two assistant commissioners of police — Chandan Kumar and Bharat Reddy — both known for their integrity. They were assisted by sub-inspector Naveen (RR Nagar) and assistant sub-inspector Devaraj (Chandra Layout).

    This team traced the links between the peddlers and corrupt officers, eventually submitting a detailed report to DCP Girish, who forwarded it to city police commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh.

    Commissioner’s response

    Reacting to the findings, Commissioner Singh ordered immediate suspension of all 11 personnel. “It is really shocking and sad to see our men hand in glove with drug peddlers. As materials proved their wrongdoing, we suspended all 11. A departmental inquiry will throw more light on the issue. We will have zero tolerance towards anything illegal done by our personnel,” he stated.

    A wider concern for the city

    The scandal has not only dented the credibility of Bengaluru police but also raised questions about the depth of the drug menace in the city. With youngsters increasingly being targeted by peddlers, the discovery of police complicity underscores the urgent need for accountability and transparency.

    The departmental inquiry is expected to reveal the full extent of the nexus, while the suspended personnel face the possibility of dismissal and criminal charges if found guilty.

    For now, Bengaluru’s top brass hope the strong action sends a clear message: cleansing the force is as crucial as cracking down on peddlers if the city is to truly become drug-free.