Police arrested two students and seized 727 grams of ganja in coordinated raids conducted at two hostels in Manipal. The operation, carried out by Manipal police personnel, also led to the confiscation of a mobile phone allegedly used for drug-related activities. The seized narcotics are estimated to be worth about ₹36,000, while the mobile phone is valued at around ₹30,000.
Students arrested for allegedly stocking ganja
The arrested students have been identified as Kushkeyush Patel, aged 20, a native of Gujarat, and Devansh Tyagi, aged 22, from Uttar Pradesh. Both individuals were reportedly residing in separate hostels in Manipal and pursuing higher education. Police sources said that the arrests followed specific intelligence inputs regarding illegal drug possession and possible distribution within student circles.
During the raids, officers recovered 727 grams of ganja from the hostel rooms of the accused. Preliminary scrutiny suggested that the substance had been stocked for the purpose of selling it to students in the university town, which has a high population of young residents and hostellers. Authorities added that the seized quantity, although not extremely large, indicated preparation for small-scale peddling.
Raids based on credible intelligence
According to the Manipal police, the operation was mounted after they received actionable information about the movement of narcotic substances within certain hostel premises. Officers conducted surveillance and verified the details before proceeding with the raids. The searches were conducted simultaneously to prevent either suspect from destroying evidence or evading the police.
The officers recovered the ganja packed in small quantities, suggesting that it may have been prepared for sale to students. Police also seized a mobile phone believed to contain communication records, transaction details, or contacts linked to the procurement and distribution of the contraband. The device will undergo forensic analysis to establish the extent of the accused students’ involvement and determine whether they were part of a larger network.
Growing concern over narcotics in university towns
The incident has renewed concerns about the presence of narcotics in educational hubs such as Manipal, which attracts thousands of students from across India and abroad. Police officials have frequently highlighted that such areas are vulnerable to the influence of peddlers who target young people. Over the years, local authorities have intensified vigilance to curb instances of drug possession, consumption, and peddling.
Officials stated that awareness programmes and periodic inspections are among the measures planned to ensure student safety. Law enforcement agencies have urged educational institutions and hostel administrators to stay alert, report suspicious activities, and cooperate with ongoing anti-drug campaigns.
Case registered; investigation underway
Police have registered a case at the Manipal police station under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The accused were taken into custody and are likely to be produced before a magistrate. Investigators are now working to trace the source of the ganja and determine whether the two students were acting independently or under the direction of external suppliers.
Authorities added that further arrests cannot be ruled out as the investigation progresses. They also emphasised that strict action will be taken against anyone found selling or consuming narcotics in the region, especially within educational institutions.
Conclusion
The arrests of two students in Manipal for stocking and allegedly planning to distribute ganja have brought the focus back on drug-related activities in university towns. With the investigation ongoing, police are expected to intensify their crackdown and implement additional preventive measures to protect students and maintain a drug-free environment.