The SIT’s investigation into Shaili Traders Ranchi has revealed that several firms operating in Sonbhadra, Bhadohi, and Azamgarh were involved in a large-scale smuggling network of Phensedyl cough syrup. According to the report, two firms in Sonbhadra and three in Bhadohi were part of the racket, allegedly showing massive supplies of cough syrup on paper.
Investigators found that a husband-and-wife duo from Varanasi operated this network — the husband running a firm in Sonbhadra and the wife running another in Bhadohi. Both were linked to other associated firms extending into Azamgarh.
Over one lakh bottles sold on record
The SIT found that Shaili Traders Ranchi sold 1,28,000 bottles of Phensedyl cough syrup to Rajendra & Sons Drug Agency in Bhadohi. When Drug Inspector Soumitra visited the firm’s address for verification, it was revealed that the firm’s proprietor, Anshika Gupta, had shut it down four months earlier. Records, however, showed that the agency had supplied the syrup further to Dileep Medical (Nayi Bazaar, Bhadohi) and Ayush Enterprises.
No trace of firms at registered addresses
Upon physical inspection, the Ayush Enterprises address was found to be non-existent. Inquiries into Dileep Medical revealed that it had allegedly received supplies from Shivshakti Enterprises (Azamgarh) and Maa Sharda Pharma (Jahanaganj, Azamgarh). However, investigators found no documentation or evidence of actual supply or sales. A case regarding the fraudulent transactions was registered at Chauri police station on November 27.
Network link traced across three districts
Further investigation revealed that the two firm owners from Sonbhadra were brothers, while the Bhadohi-based firm Rajendra & Sons was registered under the name of one brother’s wife, Anshika Gupta. She had shown supplies to multiple firms in Azamgarh, which were later found to be non-operational. Officials stated that the supply chain existed only on paper, with fake billing used to mask illegal movement of codeine syrup.
Notices issued to firms and accountant
SP Abhishek Verma confirmed that the SIT has issued notices to five firm owners and one chartered accountant, seeking complete details of supply, transactions, and stock records. “As new details emerge, the investigation is expanding accordingly,” he said.
Sources indicated that the SIT is now likely to extend the probe to Azamgarh, where additional evidence of fake billing and illegal supply is expected to surface.
