‘If Keralam Police could unearth the drug network, why did Karnataka Police fail to detect it?’

Mysuru: Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar has questioned the State’s Intelligence machinery following the busting of an interstate drug trafficking network allegedly operating from Nanjangud under the cover of a banana plantation.

The MP expressed concern that the racket was unearthed by Keralam Police rather than the Karnataka Police, saying the incident raised serious questions about the State’s Intelligence and surveillance systems.

He pointed out that this was not the first instance of drug networks with links to Mysuru being detected by agencies from outside Karnataka. Referring to earlier cases unearthed by the Maharashtra Police and central investigative agencies, he said that such incidents called into question the effectiveness of the State’s Intelligence gathering.

“If such a racket was operating behind the façade of a banana plantation, how did the local Police machinery fail to detect it? This raises doubts about whether the Government’s assurances are limited to mere statements,” he said.

Questions Intelligence machinery

Yaduveer Wadiyar questioned, why the Intelligence department had failed to detect the network and what surveillance measures were in place to identify organised drug trafficking.

He also sought to know why Police from other States and Central agencies had repeatedly been required to uncover such operations in Karnataka.

He said, the State Government must take responsibility for the lapses and strengthen Intelligence gathering and coordination with Police forces in other States.

The MP called for a thorough investigation to trace the entire network and demanded stringent action against those involved, besides accountability for officials responsible for the lapses.

“It is extremely shameful that Police from other States have to step in to uncover drug trafficking operations taking place on Karnataka’s own soil. Controlling drug networks that are destroying the future of our youth is a fundamental responsibility of the State Government. Instead of merely offering assurances, the Congress Government must answer for the failure of its Intelligence system and ensure the safety and security of the people,” he said.