India

Kolkata, April 14 (IANS) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sleuths probing the multi-crore cash-for-school job case are now probing why the available infrastructure of West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) was not used in preserving the “scanned” or “mirror” images of the optimal mark recognition (OMR) sheets used in the written examination for appointments for teaching and non-teaching jobs in state-run schools in 2016.

The entire panel of 25,753 jobs for 2016 was cancelled by the Supreme Court earlier this month, upholding a previous order by Calcutta High Court last year. The apex court also accepted the Calcutta High Court’s argument that the entire panel of the commission for 2016 had to be cancelled since it was impossible to segregate the “genuine” candidates from the tainted ones who got school jobs by paying money.

Now, information has already surfaced that the main hurdle towards achieving this segregation is that all the OMR sheets used in written examinations for that panel were destroyed without preserving the mirror images of those OMR sheets.

Now sources aware of the development said that during the investigation, the Central agency sleuths have found that the WBSSC’s office had the technical infrastructure sufficient enough to both evaluate and preserve OMR sheets in large numbers for years.

There arose the question of why, despite having such infrastructure, and what prompted the commission to assign the same task of evaluation and preservation to a Gaziabad-based outsourced agency.

Sources said that the investigating officials are trying to reach out to the person under whose instructions this outsourcing was done instead of getting the same work done at WBSSC’s office using the available infrastructure.

While the event of mirror images of OMR sheets was the second stage of lapse or irregularity on the part of the commission, the first lapse was destroying the soft copies of the OMR sheets for the panel of 2016 just a year after the written examination.

Before 2016, the commission followed the practice of retaining the OMR sheets used in written examinations for three years. Now, CBI has already informed the court that the waiting period for preserving the soft copies of OMR sheets is being changed to one year from the previous period of three years, establishing the intent behind his action.

In March this year, CBI informed a special court in Kolkata that the soft copies of the OMR sheets were destroyed after one year following the instructions of the former West Bengal Education Minister and Trinamool Congress secretary general Partha Chatterjee with the clear intention to destroy evidence in the school-job case.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 14 (IANS) While US tariff hikes remain a key risk to growth forecast, global credit rating agency Crisil on Monday projected 6.5 per cent GDP growth for India in fiscal 2026, with risks tilted to the downside.

Crisil expects the RBI’s monetary easing to create some offset to the external headwinds.

“Interest rate cuts, income tax relief and easing inflation are expected to provide tailwinds to consumption this fiscal, while the expected normal monsoon will support agricultural incomes,” the report mentioned.

Moreover, the anticipated decline in global crude oil prices, resulting from a potential global slowdown, is expected to provide additional support to domestic growth, it added.

That being said, US tariff hikes are a key risk to Crisil’s GDP growth forecast for fiscal 2026, as uncertainty about the duration and frequent changes in tariffs could hinder investments.

In FY25, improved growth in capital, infrastructure and construction goods’ output in the second half points at a gradual pick-up in construction/capital expenditure activity in the latter part of the fiscal.

Finally, other high-frequency indicators show growth prospects improving in the fourth quarter.

The latest RBI 'Quarterly Industrial Outlook’ survey shows a sequential strengthening in demand in the fourth quarter (Q4 FY25).

“The latest RBI Consumer Confidence Survey indicates an improvement in March, in both rural and urban areas. All these factors corroborate the recovery in domestic demand. Healthy rabi output and easing inflation in the fourth quarter also bode well for consumption demand,” the report mentioned.

Industrial growth, as measured by the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), slowed to 2.9 per cent in February from 5.2 per cent in January (revised up from 5.0 per cent), driven by lower output growth in the mining and manufacturing sectors, while electricity recorded an uptick.

“On average, IIP growth stood at 4.0 per cent in the fourth quarter as of February, broadly in line with the 4.1 per cent recorded in the December quarter,” said Crisil.

With data now available for eleven months of FY25, the underlying momentum within sub-sectors IIP can be highlighted. The IIP manufacturing performed better on average in the second half of fiscal 2025. This lifted growth in segments like petroleum products, machinery and textiles during the second half.

--IANS

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Patna, April 14 (IANS) With Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to visit Madhubani on April 24 to mark Panchayati Raj Day, preparations are underway to ensure a smooth and safe event. Along with heightened security, the district administration is laying special emphasis on medical arrangements in view of the rising temperatures in the region.

Acting on the directives of District Magistrate Arvind Kumar Verma, Civil Surgeon Dr Harendra Kumar is leading a comprehensive health preparedness drive. The initiative involves deploying doctors, health workers, and medical infrastructure to tackle potential heat-related issues.

A dedicated team of over 100 specialist doctors and health personnel has been formed to man 15 medical camps set up at key locations, including parking areas and event venues.

Each camp will be equipped with ambulances, essential medicines, vaccines, and modern medical equipment to handle cases of dehydration and heatstroke. The camps aim to provide quick response in the event of medical emergencies during the Prime Minister's program.

In a high-alert move, Sadar Hospital (Madhubani), Subdivision Hospital (Jhanjharpur), and Araria Sangram Trauma Centre have been readied with ICU and advanced care facilities. Additionally, three private hospitals in Madhubani and one in Darbhanga have been instructed to remain fully equipped and on standby.

To strengthen manpower, all doctors and health workers in Madhubani district have been directed to remain on duty, with leaves temporarily suspended until the event concludes. Teams from the district and state health departments are also conducting regular inspections to ensure readiness.

The April 24 event, commemorating Panchayati Raj Day, is expected to draw elected representatives from across the country. Alongside administrative efforts, medical preparedness underlines the government’s focus on public safety during the high-profile visit.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders are camping at the venue to oversee preparations and mobilize support. State BJP president Dilip Jaiswal said that MPs, MLAs, MLCs, and party workers from 10 assembly constituencies have been tasked with organizing the event and ensuring its success.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, April 14 (IANS) Karnataka Police have arrested the accused in the sensational molestation case involving two women in Bengaluru, sources confirmed on Monday, adding that the man was nabbed in a Kerala village.

A video of the accused molesting two women in a residential locality during the early hours had gone viral, raising concerns over women's safety in the city.

The arrested individual has been identified as 26-year-old Santosh Daniel. The Sadduguntepalya Police apprehended him in a village in the neighbouring state of Kerala.

The accused had taken shelter at a friend’s place without disclosing anything about the incident. During interrogation, he confessed to the crime.

According to the police, they examined over 1,600 CCTV footage clips to track down the accused after the incident came to light. Two special teams were formed, and based on technical leads, they searched for him in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

After the incident surfaced, the accused switched off his mobile phone and fled. He travelled to Hosur and Krishnagiri before reaching Kerala. He later contacted a friend with whom he had previously worked in Bengaluru, police said.

The investigation began based on a complaint filed by a resident, Lokesh Gowda. Police managed to identify the accused’s bike registration number, tracked his address in Bengaluru, and launched a manhunt.

Police sources revealed that the accused was unemployed and appears to be a habitual offender.

A video showing two young women being targeted by a man in the early hours in a residential locality went viral on social media.

The 17-second video showed two women walking down a deserted street flanked by houses on both sides. A tall, well-built man approaches them from behind, pushes one of the women aside, sexually harasses the other, and then escapes. The video also captures the visibly shaken women standing briefly to catch their breath before quickly leaving the scene.

The incident occurred at around 2 a.m. on April 4 in the jurisdiction of the Sadduguntepalya police station. The video went viral on Sunday. Police registered an FIR based on a complaint filed by a local resident and launched a search for the accused while collecting additional evidence.

Residents of the area expressed shock over the incident, stating that such occurrences were unprecedented in their locality. They added that with the rise in PG accommodations in the area, the police must intensify night patrolling to ensure safety.

Reacting to the rise in incidents of sexual assaults and harassment in Bengaluru during night hours, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara had stated that "such incidents happen here and there in a big city". The statement stirred a huge controversy. After the backlash, he expressed regrets over his remarks.

--IANS

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Thiruvananthapuram, April 14 (IANS) Over the years, the festival of Vishu in Kerala has continued to evolve, gradually taking on a more secular character. Like many other Indian festivals, Vishu is now celebrated by people across communities, with even non-Hindus participating in many of its customs and rituals.

Traditionally marking the beginning of the Malayalam New Year, Vishu falls on the first day of the Malayalam month of Medam, which typically corresponds to April 14 or 15 on the Gregorian calendar. This year, Vishu is being celebrated on Monday.

A key highlight of Vishu is the preparation of the Vishukkani -- a ceremonial arrangement of auspicious items meant to be the first sight one sees on Vishu morning.

The Vishukkani typically includes a statue or image of Lord Krishna, fresh flowers, fruits, vegetables, gold coins, and a mirror, all placed in a traditional bell-metal vessel called an uruli.

Another cherished tradition is the Vishu Kaineettam, where elders give money to younger members of the family as a symbol of blessings and good fortune. Temples across the state also witness heavy footfall, with devotees thronging in to seek blessings.

On this day, Keralites can be seen in traditional attire -- women in sarees, young girls in skirts and blouses, and men in mundu or dhotis. However, one noticeable change over the years is the absence of large joint family gatherings, a result of modern-day work pressures and changing lifestyles.

Though rooted in Hindu mythology, Vishu today is not just a religious festival but also a cultural celebration. It's a public holiday in the state, and many households prepare the elaborate 26-dish Vishu sadya (feast), served on a plantain leaf.

Interestingly, the sadya varies regionally -- while the central and southern districts of Kerala serve strictly vegetarian meals, their northern counterparts often include non-vegetarian dishes alongside the traditional fare.

The bursting of firecrackers on Vishu eve is another regional distinction, commonly observed in North Kerala but largely absent in the rest of the state.

For the business community -- especially jewellers and textile merchants -- Vishu brings a seasonal boost in sales. Restaurants too have capitalised on the occasion, offering packed versions of the traditional sadya, with prices ranging anywhere from Rs 250 to Rs 2,500, depending on the brand and scale.

--IANS

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Guwahati, April 14 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended warm wishes on the occasion of Bohag Bihu in Assam.

Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, “Bohag Bihu wishes to you all!”

As Bohag or Rongali Bihu marks the beginning of the Assamese new year, the Prime Minister also wrote, “May the new year bring new beginnings, happiness and prosperity in all that you do. Praying for everyone's good health and fulfilment of all aspirations,” he added.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma thanked PM Modi for his wishes on Bihu.

In an X post, CM Sarma wrote, “Adarniya Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, thank you so much for your Bohag Bihu wishes. As the Assamese new year is set to begin, we recall your many visits to Assam during the new year and celebrating it with the people of the State.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah posted on X, “Warm greetings to our sisters and brothers of Assam on the occasion of Bohag Bihu. May the joy of welcoming the Assamese new year vibrating on the banks of the Brahmaputra invite prosperity and well-being for everyone.”

CM Sarma while thanking HM Shah, wrote on his X handle, “Thank you so much for your wishes on Bohag Bihu, Adarniya Griha Mantri Shri @AmitShah ji. With your constant guidance Assam is ringing in New years in an atmosphere of peace and prosperity.”

Rongali Bihu or Bohag, the most cherished of the three Bihus, marks the Assamese New Year and the arrival of spring. It is more than just a festival -- it’s an emotion deeply woven into the cultural soul of the people of Assam.

The state has been caught up with Bihu fever, as people have been busy celebrating the festival on Monday. Across the state, Bihu committees are busy organising grand functions -- from traditional dance competitions to musical nights where local artists and cultural icons will take center stage. Youth groups are rehearsing tirelessly, ready to set the stage ablaze with their energy and pride. In the villages, the celebration remains close to its roots -- rustic, warm, and full of life.

The sound of laughter mixes with the music as people come together to celebrate nature’s bounty, community spirit, and the timeless bond between humans and the land they call home. But even in cities, where modern life races ahead, Bihu brings everyone back to their roots. Offices and schools close for the festivities, and people return to their hometowns, drawn by the irresistible call of tradition, family, and celebration.

--IANS

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Hisar, April 14 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that before 2014, India had just 74 airports, however, since the last decade, the number has crossed the 150 mark highlighting significant strides in easing connectivity as compared to efforts made by the previous government.

PM Modi marked Ambedkar Jayanti by laying the foundation stone of the new terminal building at Maharaja Agrasen Airport in Hisar, Haryana, and flagging off the inaugural flight to Ayodhya.

The launch of scheduled flights from Hisar -- twice weekly to Ayodhya and thrice weekly to Jammu, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Chandigarh --represents a major boost to Haryana's aviation network.

The new terminal project, valued at over Rs 410 crore, will feature a modern passenger terminal, a dedicated cargo facility, and an air traffic control building.

Addressing a massive rally, PM Modi paid homage to Baba Saheb Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar on his birth anniversary, calling it a "Diwali" for Dalits, the marginalised and backward communities.

"Your soldiers, sportsmen, and brotherhood are the identity of Haryana," he said, thanking the crowd for their enthusiastic participation.

Reflecting on his earlier political journey in the state, PM Modi said, "All the people who worked with me, their hard work gave strength to the foundation of the BJP in Haryana. Today, I am proud that Haryana is working with seriousness towards fulfilling the resolve of Viksit Bharat."

Reaffirming the BJP's commitment to inclusive growth, PM Modi added, "The BJP's mantra is to work for the rapid development of all Dalits, poor, marginalised, and backward communities in Haryana. Working in line with this mantra, flights have started from the holy land of Shri Krishna's Haryana to Lord Ram's Ayodhya."

Calling the airport terminal's foundation stone a symbol of Haryana's aspirations, he congratulated the people and said, "I had promised you that people wearing slippers will also take flight. And we are seeing this promise fulfilled across the country."

He highlighted the success of the Centre's UDAN scheme, which has enabled thousands of Indians to fly for the first time.

"Before 2014, the country had just 74 airports. Today, the number has crossed the 150 mark," PM Modi said, underlining the impact of the UDAN Yojana (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), which aims to boost regional connectivity and make air travel more accessible and affordable.

Later in the day, PM Modi will travel to Yamuna Nagar to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of more development projects and interact with the public.

As part of enhancing power infrastructure and ensuring last-mile electricity access, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for an 800 MW thermal power unit at the Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant. Spread across 233 acres and costing around Rs 8,470 crore, the project is expected to strengthen Haryana's energy security and ensure uninterrupted power supply.

Furthering the GOBARDhan initiative (Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan), the Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for a Compressed Biogas Plant in Mukarabpur, Yamuna Nagar.

The plant, with a projected annual output of 2,600 metric tonnes, aims to enhance organic waste management, generate clean energy, and contribute to environmental sustainability.

Additionally, PM Modi will inaugurate the Rewari Bypass project -- a 14.4 km corridor built at a cost of Rs 1,070 crore under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. The new bypass will ease congestion in Rewari City, reduce Delhi–Narnaul travel time by nearly an hour, and help boost regional economic and social development.

--IANS

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Hisar, April 14 (IANS) On the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated air services from Maharaja Agrasen Airport in Haryana's Hisar in the presence of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu.

During the launch of the first commercial flight of the 70-seater Alliance Air plane from Hisar to Ayodhya, the foundation stone of the terminal-2 building at the airport was also laid.

The Chief Minister said this airport is a significant gift not only for the people of Hisar but also for neighboring districts. The launch of air services will greatly enhance regional trade, tourism and investment opportunities.

He said the Prime Minister’s visit underscored his unwavering commitment to the development of Haryana. “Today is the 135th birth anniversary of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, who framed the Constitution. I pay my tributes to him and extend my greetings to the entire state. April 14 is going to be historic as we are going to witness the flag off of the flight services from Hisar to Ayodhya,” CM Saini said.

During his day-long visit, PM Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of several major development projects of Rs 10,000 crore aimed at enhancing the state's infrastructure and connectivity.

The terminal project, valued at over Rs 410 crore, will include a state-of-the-art passenger terminal, a cargo terminal, and an air traffic control building.

Taking to X, PM Modi on Sunday posted, “Tomorrow, on Ambedkar Jayanti, the day will be dedicated to Haryana's development journey. At around 10:15 in the morning, I will inaugurate commercial flights between Hisar-Ayodhya and lay the foundation stone of the new terminal building of the airport. In the afternoon, there is a program related to many projects in Yamunanagar as well.”

The introduction of scheduled flights from Hisar -- twice weekly to Ayodhya and thrice weekly to Jammu, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Chandigarh -- marks a significant milestone in Haryana's aviation connectivity.

During his visit, the Prime Minister will also address a public meeting in Hisar before heading to Yamunanagar at around 12.30 p.m. There, he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of additional development projects and interact with the public.

Underscoring the Centre's commitment to expanding power infrastructure and ensuring last-mile electricity delivery, the PMO statement said that PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for an 800 MW thermal power unit at the Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant in Yamuna Nagar. The Rs 8,470 crore project will be spread over 233 acres and is expected to significantly improve Haryana's energy security and power supply reliability.

Furthering the GOBARDhan initiative (Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan), the Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for a Compressed Biogas Plant in Mukarabpur, Yamuna Nagar. With an annual production capacity of 2,600 metric tonnes, the plant will promote organic waste management, clean energy generation, and environmental conservation.

In addition, PM Modi will inaugurate the Rewari Bypass project, a 14.4 km stretch developed at a cost of Rs 1,070 crore under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. This infrastructure boost will help decongest Rewari City, cut travel time between Delhi and Narnaul by approximately one hour, and foster economic and social activity in the region.

--IANS

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Kolkata, April 14 (IANS) Amid the continuing air of tension in Murshidabad district of West Bengal, which has been on the boil for the last few days with violent protests over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, the administration has decided to extend the suspension of Internet services to the adjacent districts of Malda and Birbhum.

At the same time, some additional areas in the Murshidabad district have also been brought under the ambit of the suspension of Internet services. Earlier, the suspension of Internet services was enforced mainly in troubled areas like Suti, Jangipur, Dhulian, and Samserganj, among others, the areas that were most affected by violence and riot-like situations.

An insider from the state police said that although following the beginning of joint patrolling by the state police and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel since Saturday night following an order of a special division bench of the Calcutta High Court, the situation in Murshidabad has come more or less unless control as of now. The main headache of the law enforcement authorities is the continuing spreading and sharing of fake information regarding the tension through different social media platforms.

The suspension of Internet service in the extended areas will be enforced till 10 p.m. on April 15. Whether the suspension will be lifted or not after that will be decided on the situation prevailing then.

Meanwhile, the Border Security Force (BSF), whose personnel are mainly deputed to the troubled areas, will send a comprehensive report on the development following the visit of the BSF’s Additional Director General (Eastern Command) Ravi Gandhi to the troubled pockets.

During the visit, Gandhi will review the deployment of the BSF personnel in the region and also discuss with the senior officers of the state police how better coordination could be achieved on this count.

The BSF has also been alerted to ensure absolute security of the villages adjacent to the International Borders with Bangladesh in the Murshidabad and Malda districts, to ensure that members from underground extremist groups there cannot enter the Indian Territory and fuel the existing tension.

Meanwhile, as per the latest report available, almost 500 families from the different troubled pockets in the Murshidabad district are currently homeless and have taken shelter at a temporary relief camp at a school in the adjacent Malda district. These families are mainly from the Dhulian and Samserganj areas.

--IANS

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Gandhinagar, April 14 (IANS) Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and the Indian Coast Guard intercepted and seized over 300 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of Rs 1,800 crore, from the Arabian Sea near the Indian Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

The joint operation, conducted between the night of April 12 and the early hours of April 13, was triggered by actionable intelligence regarding suspicious movements off the Gujarat coast, a region increasingly becoming the frontline in India’s war on drugs.

According to an official release from the Coast Guard, the operation involved a swift-response patrol vessel that approached the suspected area after receiving tip-offs from central intelligence agencies. Spotting the fast-approaching security vessel, the smugglers -- believed to be operating a fishing boat from foreign waters -- jettisoned the drug-laden cargo into the sea and made a rapid escape towards the IMBL, presumably to avoid apprehension. Divers and onboard personnel were then deployed in a meticulous recovery mission under challenging night-time conditions, ultimately retrieving several large packages of what is suspected to be high-grade methamphetamine.

The recovered contraband has been handed over to the Gujarat ATS, which has now launched a deeper investigation to trace the network behind the operation.

Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, in a post on X, said it was a commendable joint operation by the Gujarat ATS and the Indian Coast Guard.

“On the night of April 12-13, 2025, they seized 300 kg of narcotics worth Rs 1800 crore off the IMBL near the Gujarat coast. The consignment was recovered at sea, and ATS is conducting further investigation. This successful operation showcases the strong inter-agency synergy in the fight against drug smuggling. - Operation Details: Joint operation by Gujarat ATS and Indian Coast Guard on April 12-13, 2025 - Seizure: 300 kg narcotics worth Rs 1800 crore - Location: Off IMBL near Gujarat coast - Investigation: ATS conducting further investigation,” Sanghavi wrote on his X handle.

He said, “This operation demonstrated the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration in combating drug smuggling, similar to previous joint operations by Indian Coast Guard, NCB, and ATS that have resulted in significant seizures.”

The Indian Coast Guard also said the huge consignment was seized off the IMBL near the Gujarat coast. “The consignment was recovered at sea, and ATS is conducting further investigation. This successful operation showcases the strong inter-agency synergy in the fight against drug smuggling,” said the ICG in a post on its official X handle.

The Gujarat coastline, stretching 1,640 kilometers -- the longest among all Indian states -- has long posed a formidable surveillance challenge. Dotted with remote creeks, tidal inlets, and fishing harbors, particularly in the Kutch region, the area presents ideal conditions for traffickers seeking to infiltrate Indian waters without detection. The state’s proximity to the notorious ‘Golden Crescent’ -- a major global drug-producing region spanning Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan -- places it at the epicentre of narcotics smuggling routes entering the Indian subcontinent.

Gujarat has emerged as a critical battleground in India’s fight against narcotics trafficking, with several high-profile seizures in recent years underscoring the state’s vulnerability.

One of the most significant operations took place in February 2024 when Indian agencies intercepted an Iranian fishing boat off the Gujarat coast, seizing a record-breaking 3,300 kg of narcotics. Valued at over Rs 20,000 crore, it marked the largest offshore drug bust in Indian history and spotlighted the use of foreign vessels in deep-sea smuggling operations. Just a few months earlier, in November 2024, authorities seized 700 kg of methamphetamine from another Iranian vessel in the Arabian Sea. The contraband was hidden in sealed plastic containers and transferred mid-sea, suggesting a sophisticated, well-coordinated supply chain.

The estimated value of the drugs exceeded Rs 4,000 crore. Investigators suspected the consignment originated from Pakistan or Iran and was en route to India for local distribution. In April 2024, Indian law enforcement recovered 173 kg of hashish from a fishing boat near Porbandar. Unlike earlier seizures involving foreign vessels, this case involved an Indian boat believed to be operating for a Pakistan-based syndicate. Officials revealed that smugglers were increasingly relying on Indian nationals to receive mid-sea consignments and reduce suspicion.

The issue of narcotics smuggling through Gujarat came into the national spotlight in September 2021 with a massive seizure of 2,988 kg of heroin at Mundra Port in Kutch. The heroin, shipped from Afghanistan and routed through Iran, was concealed in containers labelled as talcum powder. Valued at Rs 21,000 crore, it was one of the biggest heroin busts globally and prompted widespread concern about port security and surveillance.

--IANS

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