A Rajasthan-based gang that supplied opium to members of the Rajasthani community in Hyderabad has been taken back into custody after the Telangana High Court canceled the bail granted to its key members following an appeal by the Telangana Elite Action Group on Drug Enforcement (EAGLE).
In July 2025, after months of surveillance, the EAGLE unit busted the network and arrested the accused with a commercial amount of opium. Investigators found that the gang targeted migrants by luring them with false claims that opium increases sexual power and potency. The victims gradually became addicted, they became dependent on the suppliers. Several later developed serious health complications and sought medical treatment.
The crackdown led to the release of 15 people who were allegedly held in conditions of dependency and exploitation. Due to the traffic volume, the accused were booked under the strict provisions of the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Investigators believed that mandatory restrictions under Section 37 of the Act would keep the accused in custody long enough for victims to overcome addiction and return to normal life.
However, police said their efforts were briefly set back when the accused were released on bail within two months and allegedly resumed their attempts to lure drug addicts. Undeterred, EAGLE Force approached the Supreme Court challenging the bail orders. The court allowed the petition and canceled the bail of Savlaram Bishnoi, Hapuram Bishnoi and Lalaram Bishnoi.
In its order, the High Court said that the trial court had granted bail without adequately considering the severity of Section 37 of the NDPS Act. While the seizure involved a commercial quantity of contraband, the trial court failed to consider whether the two statutory conditions were met before granting bail.
EAGLE Force officials said the order, passed on the last day of 2025, reaffirmed the importance of tough enforcement of drug laws and marked a significant morale boost for the agency.
The EAGLE force also appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate in the fight against drugs by reporting information related to the sale, consumption or trafficking of drugs, ensuring whistleblower confidentiality and emphasizing the role of public participation in ensuring a drug-free Telangana.
Published – 31 Dec 2025 20:01 IST
