Surat : Brother’s Cancer pushed CRPF Jawan in drugs peddling

Surat, Gujarat — The streets of Surat witnessed a deeply unsettling yet heartbreaking twist in a routine police operation. A man in uniform—expected to protect society—was caught peddling drugs. But what the police found beneath the surface was a story of desperation, debt, and a brother’s fight against cancer.

On a routine patrol along the Khand Bazar to Jada Bawa Tekra road, Varachha Police apprehended a suspicious man with a trolley and bag. Upon search, officers recovered 22 kg 258 grams of ganja and ₹2.27 lakh in cash. But what shocked them more than the seizure was the identity of the accused—Seemanchal Chetan Nahak, a CRPF constable currently posted in Delhi’s Rohini Jail, formerly stationed in Pulwama.

“We couldn’t believe it. A serving jawan, involved in drug trafficking—it was both shocking and saddening,” said a senior Varachha police official.

A Soldier’s Fall from Grace

The truth that unfolded was not of greed—but of helplessness. According to Seemanchal’s statement to police, he was forced into the drug trade due to a ₹15 lakh debt incurred for his brother’s cancer treatment and mounting house EMI payments. Of his ₹46,000 salary, nearly ₹26,000 went into EMI, leaving barely enough for basic living expenses.

“I didn’t want to do this… but I had no choice. I just wanted to save my brother,” Seemanchal reportedly told investigators, visibly distressed.

He confessed to buying ganja in Odisha for ₹8,000 per kg, hoping to sell it in Surat. While he successfully brought a consignment once before using his official CRPF ID, this second attempt landed him in police custody.

A Journey Marked by Duty and Desperation

Serving since 2015, Seemanchal had even completed a stint in volatile Pulwama, Kashmir. Currently posted in Delhi, he had received a transfer order to Assam, but had not joined. During his leave, en route to Ambaji for his son’s head-shaving ritual, he stopped in Surat to deliver the drugs—believing it would help repay some of his crushing debt. But the customer didn’t show up, and he was caught.

Breach of Uniform and Trust

While his story evokes empathy, authorities are clear that uniform cannot be a shield for crime. Police have initiated a full investigation, including inquiries with the Home Department and tracing the source and destination of the narcotics.

“Wearing the CRPF badge is an honour. Using it to smuggle drugs is a betrayal of that honour,” the officer added.