Following the apprehension of a former DMK functionary linked to an international narcotics trafficking network, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin to clarify his association with the accused, asserting that the arrest underscores the transformation of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) into what they term as the "Drug Marketing Kazhagam."
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) detained Jaffer Sadiq, a 36-year-old individual expelled from the DMK in Tamil Nadu, as part of its probe into a drugs smuggling syndicate valued at over Rs 2,000 crore.
Vanathi Srinivasan, the BJP Mahila Morcha chief, directed attention towards Stalin, insinuating potential familial links between the chief minister and the apprehended individual. She pointed out alleged connections between Sadiq and Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi, Stalin's daughter-in-law, who reportedly directed a film produced by Sadiq. Srinivasan implied close associations between Sadiq and Tamil Nadu's sports minister, Udayanidhi Stalin, Stalin's son, as evidenced by their social media interactions.
Accusations were leveled at several DMK ministers for maintaining close ties with Sadiq, prompting demands for Stalin to elucidate his relationship with the purported "mastermind" behind a trans-national pseudoephedrine smuggling operation.
NCB's deputy director general (operations), Gyaneshwar Singh, hinted at Sadiq's affiliations within the Tamil and Hindi film industries and purported dealings with "high-profile" individuals, alongside instances of alleged "political funding."
In a scathing indictment, BJP leader Tom Vadakkan denounced the DMK, asserting that the party has metamorphosed into a "Drug Marketing Kazhagam" following Sadiq's arrest. He lambasted opposition parties within the INDIA bloc, questioning their stance on drug trafficking and challenging Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's position on the matter.
Vadakkan contended that combating illicit drug trafficking is a national imperative, emphasizing the need for resolute action under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. He called upon the electorate to consider supporting the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, pledging to incarcerate drug peddlers and curb the narcotics trade.
Meanwhile, sources suggest that the NCB may summon a prominent DMK figure for questioning regarding financial transactions linked to the narcotics network. Additionally, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is poised to initiate a money laundering inquiry in connection with the NCB's findings.
