Dy CM Devda on Congress over alleged relationship with accused in drug seizure case as picture surfaced together

ANI |
Updated: Oct 7, 2024 7:02 p.m IS

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India]October 7 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda reacted sharply to Congress party’s allegations regarding his association with an accused in a drug seizure case after a photo of them together surfaced on social media. Devda claimed that a criminal cannot be exonerated simply by having his photo taken with a public figure.
The deputy CM clarified that many people take photos with public and political personalities, but such photos do not provide any protection to criminals and strict action should be taken against them.
“A major case has come to light and Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat police have successfully averted a major operation. I would like to express my thanks to them. Regarding the allegations made by the Congress party, BJP leader VD Sharma has already commented on the matter. “I would like to emphasize that many people in public life take photos. Can a criminal be saved just by taking a photo against him?
He further added, “The law will take its course. I have no association or any connection with such criminals. When Congress makes these allegations, it should first examine its own affairs. Congressional leaders are simply getting worried. We do not.” Support the accused and we will not defend such criminals. Strict action must be taken against them.
Earlier, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief VD Sharma also rejected the Congress party’s allegations and said that the accused had no links with the party.
Madhya Pradesh BJP president VD Sharma remarked, “I would like to congratulate the MP as well as the Gujarat Police and ATS for exposing such a huge nexus and saving thousands of our youth from this danger. It is unfortunate that the Congress, which has always engaged in negative politics, is doing this.” They relied on lies and tried to demoralize the state police and discredit the state government. This anti-social context was taken seriously by both the police and the state government.
He further added, “The picture of the accused with deputy CM Devda being circulated has no connection with the BJP. When leaders visit public places, anyone can take a photo.”

The Congress party had earlier shared a photo of deputy CM Devda with the accused, who was arrested in Mandsaur district in connection with the seizure of MD drugs worth Rs 1,814 crore from a factory in Bhopal. The Congress claimed that the state government was protecting the accused.
Madhya Pradesh Congress MP Jitu Patwari held a press conference in the state capital and demanded the deputy CM’s resignation.
“There are around 500 photos of Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda with the accused on his social media account. Deputy Chief Minister’s resignation should be sought immediately to send a clear message that those protecting drug mafia will not be spared,” Patwari said.
In coordination with Mandsaur police, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) on Monday arrested Harish Anjna from Mandsaur district in connection with the MD drugs seized in Bhopal.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG, Ratlam Range) Manoj Kumar Singh told ANI, “An accused, Harish Anjna, was arrested from Mandsaur district in connection with the drug seizure in Bhopal. The Mandsaur police have taken several actions against him earlier.” Anjna, who was involved in poppy husk-related crimes under the NDPS Act, contacted the Mandsaur police and sought help, following which Anjna was arrested and handed over to the Gujarat ATS.
Anjna told police that the chemicals used in the drugs seized in Bhopal came from Vapi in Gujarat while the equipment used for their production was imported from Gujarat and Maharashtra. These details became known as part of the preliminary investigation and further investigations are underway.
Earlier on Sunday, the Gujarat ATS seized drugs and raw materials worth Rs 1,814 crore from a factory and arrested two people: Amit Chaturvedi, a resident of Bhopal, and Sanyal Bane, a resident of Nashik, a Gujarat ATS official said.
During the operation, 907 kg of MD (methylenedioxymethamphetamine) worth Rs 1,814 crore in both liquid and solid form was seized. (ANI)