BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 12th November 2025: Tripura’s Crime Branch has intensified its investigation into a major drug trafficking case following the October 16 seizure of a large consignment of narcotic cough syrup from two wagons of a Delhi-Agartala freight train at Jirania railway station.
The crackdown has led to the arrest of four individuals so far including Mantanu Saha, who was arrested upon his return from Dubai. Saha was taken into custody after officials recovered incriminating documents from his residence. Today, Crime Branch officers raided his warehouse located near Amtali Bypass, where additional documents were seized.
However, the investigation has hit roadblocks. A key suspect, Apu Das of Bormura under Kalamchowra Police Station reportedly fled to Chattogram, Bangladesh evading arrest. Sources allege that Das had backing from certain police officials, BSF personnel and a sitting legislator complicating efforts to bring him to justice.
Yesterday, Crime Branch officials also raided the residence of Apu Ranjan Das in Boxanagar and recovered documents, though Das managed to escape.
Speaking to reporters, Crime Branch officer Sukanta Sen Choudhury confirmed the raid on Saha’s warehouse and the recovery of documents. He acknowledged that the Amtali Bypass facility had come under scrutiny during the investigation.
Sources suggest that several high-ranking administrative officials and political figures may be involved in the drug trafficking network, but Crime Branch officers have reportedly hesitated to interrogate them. In light of these developments, the Crime Branch is now advocating for a CBI probe to ensure impartial and thorough investigation.
Public concern is mounting, with many calling for accountability and transparency. Observers believe that a central investigation could expose the full extent of the network, which is suspected to have orchestrated multiple shipments of Phensedyl through Jirania station.
