Pune, 7th April 2026: While investigating the kidnapping of a minor girl, Pune Police uncovered a drug network linked to the accused. During the probe, officials found that several individuals were connected through the consumption and distribution of narcotics.
In this case, Uttamnagar Police arrested four accused, Sunil Gopal Rathod alias Rathya Rathod (28), Rajan Gopal Nair (37), Jatin Jaywant Kadam (26) from Warje, and Shubham Santosh Dahibhate (28) from Kondhwe Dhawade. The police seized mephedrone from their possession.
During the investigation, police found 300 to 350 bank transactions in Rathod’s mobile phone. Based on this data, 76 individuals were identified and traced. Many of them were suspected to be drug users.
On Monday, police questioned 21 individuals and began a detailed inquiry to determine whether they had purchased or consumed drugs and to identify further links in the network.
Among those questioned was a former deputy sarpanch. He initially told police that he had attended a social gathering with friends where he consumed drugs and made payments using his phone. However, during further questioning, he denied regular involvement in such activities.
Police clarified that three of the 21 individuals had transferred money to Rathod for unrelated reasons and were not connected to the drug case. Legal action will be taken against those found involved. Officials also stated that counselling sessions will be conducted to help individuals quit drug use.
“Twenty-one suspects in the drug case were questioned on Monday. We will maintain a daily record of their details, including age, occupation, places where drugs were consumed, and duration of usage. This will help us study patterns and take further action,” said Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar.
