Durg

Police have detained a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s farmers’ wing for questioning in connection with the alleged cultivation of illegal opium on a farm in Durg district of Chhattisgarh, officials said on Saturday.

The BJP has meanwhile suspended Vinayak Tamrakar, a state coordinator of the rice mill processing project of the BJP Kisan Morcha in the district, stating that the allegations had tarnished the party’s image.

Tamrakar denied the allegations, claiming they were politically motivated.

According to officials, the illegal crop was allegedly being cultivated in the middle of a seven-acre corn field in Samoda village.

Acting on a tip-off, a joint team of police and administrative officials visited the farm on Saturday morning and began an investigation.

Authorities said the land is owned by Madhumati Tamrakar and Pritibala Tamrakar, while agricultural activities on the farm are managed by Vinayak Tamrakar.

Kshama Yadav, Additional Tehsildar of Durg, said officials are investigating how the opium crop was cultivated on the property.

Manishanker Chandra, Additional Superintendent of Police, said a case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and several suspects, including Tamrakar, have been detained for questioning.

“No arrests have been made so far,” officials added.

Former Bhupesh Baghel alleged that Tamrakar was cultivating opium on nearly 10 acres of land in the village.

Baghel and other leaders from the Indian National Congress visited the site after receiving information about the alleged plantation and claimed that a large number of villagers had gathered there.

The Congress leader further alleged that Tamrakar was an influential person who maintained close contacts with senior officials and ministers.

Amid the controversy, Kiran Singh Deo, president of the BJP’s Chhattisgarh unit, said Tamrakar’s conduct had damaged the party’s image and amounted to indiscipline.

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He confirmed that the suspension of Tamrakar from the party had taken immediate effect.