Belagavi: In a major crackdown on drug peddlers, Belagavi city police seized 50 kg of ganja and arrested six persons, including two who had come from Maharashtra. Police also seized two cars, one bike, 10 mobile phones, and a surgical blade from the accused.With these arrests, the total number of those held in connection with narcotics peddling has gone up to nine. Addressing a press conference, city police commissioner Bhushan Gulabrao Borase said acting on a tip-off, personnel from Belagavi Cybercrime, Economic Offences and Narcotics (CEN) raided a car near an eatery in Sulga village on the outskirts of Belagavi on Thursday evening and seized 50.4 kg of ganja. Six accused were also arrested on the spot. The raid was planned once police came to know that two ganja dealers, Ismail Saddam Babu Sayyad and Tajir Gudusab Bastawade, were coming to Belagavi from Maharashtra in two separate cars. Both the vehicles were apprehended and the search led to the narcotic haul. The six arrested are Ismail, 35, Ramzan Dastagir Jamadar, 34, Tajir, 29, Tejas Bhimrao Vajare, 21, Prathamesh Dileep Lad, 29, and Shivkumar Balakrishna Asabe, 28. This operation led by Inspector B R Gaddekar revealed that Saddam used to bring the ganja consignments from Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, and heroin from Pune and Mumbai. Before the latest raid and arrests in Karnataka, Gaddekar had toured Mumbai and some other cities, collecting specific information on the peddlers. Concession on fines under traffic e-challanThe state govt has issued an order, granting a 50% concession on traffic fines issued under e-challan. This offer will be in effect from Aug 23 to Sept 12. Details about e-challans can be obtained from Karnataka One/Belagavi One Centres, and payments can be made at the traffic management centre. According to official records, a total of Rs 35 crore is pending in fines over traffic violations.
