Gothuram, a constable in the Indian Army hailing from Balotra, Rajasthan, chose the path of illegal drug trafficking, abandoning his responsibilities. In February 2024, during a leave from duty, Gothuram met the notorious smuggler Bhagirath. Witnessing Bhagirath's luxurious lifestyle, Gothuram was swayed, and he stepped into the world of opium smuggling, discarding his army uniform. He involved his girlfriend, Devi, in establishing this trafficking network from Manipur to Delhi. Devi was with him every step of the way — whether it was staying in hotels during the journey or evading the police — she always provided support. In return, she was offered Rs 50,000 and free travel for each trip.
Delhi Police Special Cell Nabs Smugglers
On July 7th, the Special Cell of Delhi Police received information that a car carrying a large quantity of opium from Manipur was heading towards Kalindi Kunj. The police, on high alert, stopped the vehicle and conducted a search. They recovered 18 packets of opium and a licensed pistol from the car. Gothuram, his girlfriend Devi, and another accomplice, Peera Ram, were arrested on the spot. A case was registered against all three under the NDPS Act, and the interrogation revealed several shocking details.
Deal Worth Rs 2.3 Million
During interrogation, Gothuram revealed that this opium consignment was purchased from a supplier named Ramesh Maity in Manipur for Rs 2.3 million. According to the plan, 8 kilograms of opium were to be delivered to Delhi, and 10 kilograms to Jodhpur. They were to receive Rs 300,000 for each successful delivery. Initially, they worked for the smuggler Bhagirath, but after his arrest, they began trafficking for a smuggler named Shravan Vishnoi.
Questions Raised on Army's Silence
The three accused have been presented in court and taken into remand. The police are now searching for other individuals involved in this racket. Authorities believe that this opium trafficking ring is not limited to just one state, but its roots may be spread across various parts of the country. Meanwhile, there has been no official response from the army regarding the matter, deepening the suspicion surrounding the entire incident.
