Agartala, Apr 29, 2023, TRIPURA TIMES Desk
Agartala, Apr 29: Despite zero tolerance policy against drugs adopted by Tripura Government, Agartala Railway Station has been fast turning into a ‘safe haven’ for the drugs and ganja traffickers with the support from a group of local mafias.
According to sources, the local mafias and a section of railway staff including security personnel are managing the whole matter behind the scene, giving free hands to the drugs/ ganja smugglers.
The traffickers are reportedly using the trains and parcel office to transport ganja and drugs consignments.
The RPF and GRP personnel posted at Agartala Railway Station sometimes carry out raids and seize cannabis/ other contraband items from the trains. In fact, the RPF personnel seized 21 kg ganja and arrested a youth- Rashil Khan of Sonamura in Sepahijala districts on Saturday.
But, there are reports that the ganja/ drugs smuggling takes place on regular basis in absence of active monitoring from the security personnel. The smugglers reportedly prefer two trains- Deoghar Express and Kanchanjunga Express for transporting their consignments most of the times.
Local sources said, the people, who carry the ganja/ drugs, mostly come from Bihar, stay in hotels near the station and make the deals with the help of agents.
Along with drugs and ganja trafficking, the movement of Rohingyas and Bangladeshi nationals is often seen in the station area and according to local people; it is posing a serious threat. A good number of Rohingyas and Bangladeshi nationals were detained form Agartala Railway Station in a recent past. The Agartala Railway Station registers movements of around 12,000 people every day.
Most of the people residing near Agartala Railway Station are fuming over the present situation prevailing in the area. Locals said, sometimes anti-social activities take place in this area during dark hours and in this view, setting up a temporary police point near the entrance of the station became essential.