Rohru man has links with Delhi-based drug peddlers

The police have established links of Rohru-based interstate drug peddler Shahi Mahatma, alias Shashi Negi, with Delhi-based Nigerian drug peddlers and also drug peddlers of Punjab.

Mahatma, a resident of Bijori village in Rohru tehsil, who was arrested last week, was involved in drug peddling for the past four to five years with upper Shimla area being his primary market.

He was nabbed after one of his accomplices, who hails from Jammu and Kashmir, was arrested with 486 gm of heroin at Khada Pathar on September 18. According to the police, he was on his way to deliver the contraband worth Rs 18 lakh in Rohru. After thorough investigation, the police established his links with Shahi Mahatma and arrested him.

Shimla SP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi said, “The police are investigating the case. Soon, Shahi Mahatma’s properties will be seized. The police have been monitoring his activities for a while. He has a team of around 40 to 45 peddlers and out of which at least 19 have been arrested in the past one year.”

Used to verify buyer’s identity before supplying heroin

To deliver the contraband, Shahi Mahatma had created a WhatsApp group and used to add a potential buyer after verification through the Aadhaar Card and PAN card. After verification, buyer was instructed to make payment via the UPI. On receiving payment, one of Mahatma’s accomplices used to keep contraband at a specific location like on roadside, under a tree or near a stone. The buyer was informed about location of the contraband.

“Despite being the kingpin, Shahi Mahatma never came in picture and used middlemen to deliver and receive contraband. He managed drug business in a shrewd manner. The actual buyer had no idea that he was kingpin of the drug supply chain,” the SP said.

“Shahi Mahatma had at least 10 to 12 mobile phones. He kept changing his location. He also changed mobile phone numbers and handsets to avoid being tracked by the police,” the SP added.