‘Central Govt employee’ lands in police net for growing cannabis at home in Thiruvananthapuram

Though reports suggest that the accused, Jatin, is employed as an Assistant Audit Officer in the Accountant General’s office in the state capital, Excise Department officials said this is yet to be confirmed.

“He claims to be a Central Government employee, but this needs to be verified. The department he works for will be known after further investigation,” an official said.

The arrest followed a tip-off received during a routine patrol under the Excise Department’s anti-drug drive, ‘Clean Slate’. Acting on a tip-off, officials conducted an inspection at the residence and recovered five cannabis plants growing on the terrace. The Excise officials also seized cannabis seeds and rolling papers used for smoking.

Initial information indicates that along with Jatin, a man from Bihar and another from Uttar Pradesh were also staying in the same house. However, Jatin took full responsibility, claiming that he alone had planted the cannabis.

“On questioning Jatin, he admitted to growing the plants. We seized the plants and the cannabis seeds he had. We have arrested him and will question him to determine whether anyone else was involved in the crime,” the official added.

(with PTI inputs)