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2w ago

Congress Expels Priyank Kharge’s Aide Over Codeine Trafficking

The Karnataka Congress expelled its Kalaburagi South Block president after his July 14 arrest for trafficking codeine syrup; investigators are now targeting a fifth accused under the NDPS Act

Close Aide of Priyank Kharge and Congress Block President Held with Banned Codeine Narcotics in Thane, 120 Bottles Seized | Image: Republic
Priyank Kharge aide Lingaraj Kanni
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Overview

  • Lingaraj Kanni, president of the Kalaburagi South Block Congress and close aide to IT minister Priyank Kharge, was arrested in Thane on July 14 and is in judicial custody on drug trafficking charges
  • Police seized 120 bottles of banned codeine syrup and registered a case under the NDPS Act at Kalyan’s Bazarpeth Police Station; four accused remain in custody as authorities hunt a fifth suspect
  • The Karnataka Congress initially suspended Kanni and then formally expelled him to underscore its zero-tolerance policy on criminal allegations
  • The BJP has amplified the controversy by demanding CBI probes, calling for Priyank Kharge’s resignation and pressing the Congress to match its own disciplinary measures
  • Priyank Kharge defended the party’s swift action, challenged the opposition’s selective criticism and urged BJP leaders to address their accused members