Tamil Nadu's ruling party, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), on Sunday strongly refuted any association with Jaffer Sadiq, the prime accused in an international drug trafficking case. The party condemned efforts to link Sadiq to the DMK, asserting that it will take legal action against those spreading such allegations. According to news agency PTI, Tamil Nadu Law Minister and DMK leader S Regupathy stated, "Our party has no links whatsoever with Jaffer Sadiq. We categorically deny any connection with him."
He further warned of legal repercussions for those attempting to link Sadiq with the party or its members.
Regupathy accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating a campaign to tarnish the DMK's image by implicating it in the drug trafficking case. He criticised the BJP-led central government for allegedly misusing investigative agencies like the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) to target the DMK.
"After the DMK assumed office in 2021, the state government has taken swift action against drug peddling and this has been lauded by courts. Today, they (Centre) are thinking of intimidating the DMK through the NCB," he said, as quoted by PTI.
The DMK dismissed Sadiq from his position as Chennai West-NRI Wing Deputy Organiser in the party as soon as allegations surfaced. The Tamil Nadu Law Minister defended the party's stance, stating that it was impossible to scrutinise the background of every member and that prompt action was taken upon learning of Sadiq's involvement.
He also criticised the NCB for prematurely publicising details of the case and condemned the agency's press conference before completing the investigation. He refuted claims of receiving any financial contributions from Sadiq. Regupathy blamed NCB Deputy Director General Gyaneshwar Singh for prematurely holding a press conference about Sadiq's arrest, accusing him of tarnishing the DMK's reputation for BJP's political gain just before the Lok Sabha polls.
In response to the BJP's accusations, DMK Rajya Sabha MP and senior advocate P Wilson warned of legal consequences for anyone attempting to link the party with the ongoing NCB case against Sadiq, PTI reported.
'Drug Marketing Kazhagam': BJP Jabs DMK Over Drug Trafficking Case
The BJP has launched scathing criticism against the DMK, branding it the "Drug Marketing Kazhagam" after the arrest of former DMK functionary Jaffer Sadiq in connection with an international drug trafficking racket. The BJP demanded an explanation from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin regarding his purported ties to Sadiq, PTI reported.
Vanathi Srinivasan, BJP Mahila Morcha chief, alleged, "The arrest of Jaffer Sadiq exposes the DMK's involvement in drug trafficking. It appears that members of the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's family are closely associated with the accused."
She questioned Stalin's relationship with Sadiq and highlighted connections between the accused and some DMK ministers pointing out that Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi, CM Stalin's daughter-in-law has directed a film produced by Jaffer Sadiq. "All his social media posts show how close he was with Tamil Nadu sports minister (Udayanidhi Stalin), son of M K Stalin," she told a press conference at the BJP headquarters, as quoted by PTI.
The BJP demanded accountability from Stalin and accused the DMK of facilitating drug trafficking. Tom Vadakkan, a BJP leader, criticised the DMK government, stating, "Stalin and his party have turned Tamil Nadu into a hub for drug peddling." He urged voters to support the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls to combat drug-related crimes, as reported by PTI.
Meanwhile, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami met Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi and submitted a petition regarding the list of drugs seized in Tamil Nadu in the last few days, the party informed in a post on X.
ED Launches Money Laundering Probe In Drug Trafficking Racket: Report
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated a money laundering investigation into the international drug trafficking racket allegedly involving Jaffer Sadiq, a former DMK functionary, news agency PTI reported official sources as informing. The case has been filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with the NCB's ongoing probe.
Official sources told PTI that the ED's investigation will focus on determining if funds generated from the narcotics trade were laundered to acquire assets. The probe will run parallel to the NCB's investigation into the drug trafficking racket, which spans multiple countries.
Sadiq's arrest by the NCB has prompted scrutiny of his links with various industries and political figures. The NCB's deputy director general highlighted Sadiq's connections with film industries and political circles, suggesting possible instances of illicit funding, according to PTI's report.
The NCB's crackdown on the drug trafficking racket began with raids in Delhi, leading to the seizure of pseudoephedrine worth over Rs 2,000 crore. Sadiq's role as the alleged mastermind of the operation has drawn attention to his associations with the DMK and other entities, the report stated.