Madhya Pradesh Congress Chief's Brother Detained in Drug Case, Released After Questioning

Indore Police on Thursday arrested two men and seized about 11 grams of brown sugar in a drug case. Two others, including Nana Patwari, the younger brother of Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari, were detained for questioning and later released, an official said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Narendra Rawat said that based on a tip-off, police arrested Irfan Khan alias Golu Chanderi and Sanjay Kaushal alias Ronnie Bhai and recovered 10.8 grams of brown sugar and a sports utility vehicle (SUV) from them. An FIR was registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

During interrogation, the accused said they were to deliver the drug to Nana Patwari, also known as Kulbhushan Patwari, and Manav Gangwani. Both were detained and questioned. After gathering preliminary evidence, they were released and handed over to their lawyer, the DCP said.

Police said that Nana Patwari has a previous case under the NDPS Act registered at Vijay Nagar police station, and evidence of his communication with the main accused, Irfan Khan, was found. Investigation into technical evidence, conversation records, and financial transactions is ongoing. Both may be called for further questioning if needed.

State Congress president Jitu Patwari accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of political vendetta, saying his brother was detained in a false case. In a statement addressed to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, he claimed that the police action was a political message and that the BJP was taking revenge against those who raise their voice against the government. He said the Congress would not be intimidated by legal pressure and would fight the battle with greater vigour.