"Can a criminal be saved just by having their picture taken?": Dy CM Devda over Congress alleging relation with accused in drugs seizure case as picture together surfaced

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], October 7 : Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister, Jagdish Devda, responded sharply to Congress party allegations regarding his connection with an accused in a drug seizure case after a photo of them together surfaced on social media. Devda asserted that a criminal cannot be exonerated by merely being photographed with a public figure.
The Deputy CM clarified that many individuals take pictures with public and political figures, but such photographs do not provide any form of protection to criminals, and strict action should be taken against them.
"A significant case has come to light, and the Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat Police have successfully busted a major operation. I would like to express my gratitude to them. Regarding the Congress party's allegations, BJP Chief VD Sharma has already spoken on the matter. I want to emphasise that many people take pictures with those in public life. Can a criminal be saved just by having their picture taken? No criminal will be spared by a photograph; strict action should be taken against them," Devda told ANI.
He further added, "The law will take its course. I have no connection with such criminals or any association with them. If Congress is making these allegations, it should first examine its own affairs. Congress leaders are just getting anxious. We do not support the accused, and we will not defend such criminals. Strict action must be taken against them."
Earlier, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state chief VD Sharma also dismissed the Congress party's allegations, stating that the accused had no ties to the party.
Madhya Pradesh BJP President VD Sharma remarked, "I want to congratulate the MP and Gujarat Police and ATS for exposing such a large nexus and saving thousands of our youth from this danger. It is unfortunate that Congress, which always engages in negative politics, is relying on lies and attempting to demoralise the state police and discredit the state government. This antisocial nexus was taken seriously by both the police and the state government."
He further added, "The picture of the accused with Deputy CM Devda, which is being circulated, has no connection with the BJP. When leaders visit public places, anyone can take a photograph."
The Congress party had earlier shared a photo of Deputy CM Devda with the accused, who was arrested in Mandsaur district, in connection with the seizure of MD drugs worth Rs 1,814 crore from a factory in Bhopal. The Congress alleged that the state government was protecting the accused.
Madhya Pradesh Congress Chief Jitu Patwari held a press conference in the state capital, demanding the resignation of the Deputy CM.
"There are around 500 photos of Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda with the accused on his social media account. The resignation of the Deputy CM should be sought immediately to send a clear message that those who protect drug mafias will not be spared," Patwari said.
In coordination with the Mandsaur police, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested Harish Anjna from Mandsaur district on Monday, in connection with the MD drugs seized in Bhopal.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG, Ratlam Range), Manoj Kumar Singh, told ANI, "An accused, Harish Anjna, has been arrested from Mandsaur district in connection with the drug seizure in Bhopal. The Mandsaur police have previously taken several actions against Anjna, who has been involved in poppy husk-related crimes under the NDPS Act. The Gujarat ATS contacted Mandsaur police and sought assistance, following which Anjna was arrested and handed over to the Gujarat ATS."
Anjna informed the police that the chemicals used for the drugs seized in Bhopal were sourced from Vapi in Gujarat, while the equipment used to manufacture them was brought in from Gujarat and Maharashtra. These details emerged during the preliminary investigation, and further inquiries are ongoing.
Earlier on Sunday, the Gujarat ATS confiscated drugs and raw materials worth Rs 1,814 crore from a factory and arrested two individuals: Amit Chaturvedi, a resident of Bhopal, and Sanyal Bane, a resident of Nashik, according to an official from the Gujarat ATS.
During the operation, 907 kg of MD (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine), valued at Rs 1,814 crore, was seized in both liquid and solid form.