Madhya Pradesh Congress Chief Jitu Patwaris Brother Named In Drug Probe Political Storm Erupts

The arrest of two alleged drug peddlers in Indore has triggered a political row after police claimed that one of the intended recipients of the seized narcotics was Nana Patwari, the brother of Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari.

Addressing the media, Deputy Commissioner of Police Narendra Rawat said, “Rajendra Nagar police arrested Irfan Khan alias Golu Chanderi and Rani Bhai, and 10.8 grams of brown sugar was recovered from their possession. The process of registering a case against both accused is underway.”

“During interrogation, the accused disclosed that the seized narcotic substance was meant for two persons, one of whom is Nana Patwari. We also examined his criminal record and found that Nana Patwari has nine previous criminal cases registered against him,” the officer said.

The DCP said preliminary interrogation of the two accused revealed they were going to deliver the consignment of brown sugar to two individuals named Nana Patwari and Manav Gangwani.

Police have not publicly disclosed whether Nana Patwari has been arrested in the case. The investigation is underway to verify the claims made during the accused’s interrogation and establish the alleged supply chain.

The police action drew a sharp political response from Jitu Patwari, who alleged that his brother had been taken into custody without prior intimation and accused the BJP government of using law enforcement to settle political scores.

In a post on X addressed to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Patwari wrote, “The Indore Police have taken my brother into custody without informing us, sending the political message that the BJP is now taking revenge. Anyone who raises their voice against the government or the Chief Minister will be silenced through the use of law.”

Patwari further alleged that he had anticipated “false legal action” against him and his family because of what he described as the government’s “personal vendetta.” “We will neither be intimidated nor bow before politics driven by legal pressure. Instead, we will continue our fight with greater resolve,” he said.

Senior Congress leader Vivek Tankha said he was “informed by Jitu Patwari that the Indore Police suddenly arrested his younger brother without informing him of any offence and did not inform the Patwari family where he had been taken.”

“I urge the DGP, the Indore Police Commissioner and the Indore Divisional Commissioner not to create a situation that could become troublesome in the future,” Tankha said.

This comes hours after former Madhya Pradesh Congress general secretary and ex-spokesperson Rakesh Singh Yadav joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday, accusing Patwari, Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar and AICC in-charge Harish Chaudhary of “running the party like brokers”.

The Congress has rejected Yadav’s allegations, claiming he had not resigned but was expelled from the party on disciplinary grounds.