Overview

• Priyank Kanoongo said the man identified himself as Jainendra Pathak, a business partner of Shariq Machhli, and sought leniency for him.
• Pathak allegedly left a box of sweets at the gate before departing, which police seized after the complaint as an inquiry began.
• The Bhopal Crime Branch is investigating the Machhli family over alleged narcotics trafficking, sexual exploitation and coercive religious conversions, with several arrests and cases registered.
• Earlier actions include the August 21 demolition of a luxury bungalow linked to the family and the seizure of other properties cited as illegal encroachments.
• The political stakes rose as the Congress accused the state government of shielding a BJP leader seen with Shariq Machhli, releasing photos to press its claim.