Nagpur rural police seize 9 cannabis plants from CA's farm in Kalmeshwar, caretaker held

Nagpur Rural Police have uncovered illegal cannabis cultivation at Gangaji Dareli in Kalmeshwar tehsil and arrested the caretaker of the farm. Police seized goods worth Rs 40,210 in all from the spot, including nine cannabis plants, a chillum and a mobile phone. The matter came to light on October 31.

The Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) of the police's Local Crime Branch (LCB) had received information that cannabis plants were being grown on the farm of Nitesh Sakhlecha, a chartered accountant (CA) from Nagpur. Acting on this, a police team raided the farm at Gangaji Dareli.

During the search, police found nine cannabis plants. Their total weight is stated to be 1.358 kg and their estimated value is put at Rs 27,120. Besides the plants, a chillum and a mobile phone were also recovered from the spot. The total value of the seized goods is stated to be Rs 40,210.

Police arrested Babloo Buddha Sahu (40), who was living on the farm as caretaker. According to police, the accused had been living on the same farm for about two years.

A case has been registered against the accused under Sections 8(c) and 20(a) of the NDPS Act. Police are now trying to establish for what purpose cannabis was being cultivated on the farm and whether a larger cannabis smuggling network is behind it.

The action was taken under the guidance of SSP Dr Harsh A. Poddar and Additional Superintendent of Police Anil Mhaske. The ANC team carried out the raid under the leadership of LCB Police Inspector Ankush Mane. Assistant Police Inspector Purushottam Mahekar and other police personnel were also part of the operation.

Police are continuing their investigation into the case.