In a major step towards curbing drug-related activities in the city, Belagavi police arrested a total of seven individuals in two separate cases for illegal possession and sale of ganja.
Case 1 – Arrest Near Shaurya Circle (Camp PS Limits)
On June 14, acting on a tip-off, ACP J. Raghu of the CEN Crime Station along with his team conducted a raid near Shaurya Circle. Two accused, Kira Gundu Adava (21) of Navina Galli, Ambewadi, and Rahul from Shinolli, were caught red-handed while selling ganja in a public area. The police seized 2 kg (2000 grams) of ganja from them.
A case has been registered at the CEN Crime Police Station under Crime No. 48/2025 and Sections 20(i), (ii)(A) of the NDPS Act. Legal proceedings have been initiated, and further investigation is underway.
Case 2 – Gang Busted in Ayodhyanagar by Tilakwadi Police
In a separate incident, Tilakwadi Police arrested five individuals involved in selling ganja to school and college students in the Bhawaninagar, Mandoli Road, Godsewadi, and Tilakwadi areas.
The arrested have been identified as:
- Vinayak Kolhapure (29)
- Sandesh Gawli (24)
- Kumar Pujari (39)
- Rohit Mulve (30)
- Saurabh Sathuskar (22) — all residents of Bhawaninagar, Belagavi.
According to Inspector Parshuram Pujeri, the gang had been operating for several months, targeting young students and getting them hooked on ganja. Based on credible information, a trap was laid near First Cross, Godsewadi, in Ayodhyanagar. The suspects were caught in the act and 494 grams of ganja worth ₹14,000 was recovered from them.
Police also seized a Zen car valued at ₹2 lakh, four mobile phones, and ₹2,500 in cash. All five accused were presented before the court and remanded to judicial custody at Hindalga Jail.
This operation marks the first anti-drug drive under the leadership of newly appointed Police Commissioner Bhushan Borse, who commended Inspector Pujeri and his team for their swift and effective action.